Along with sardines, jicama, and pawpaw, tomatillos are on the list of foods I probably never would have eaten, if not for my job where people ask me about food. It's to my benefit to learn about foods...
Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness, specifically a parasite, that has been causing outbreaks of intestinal illness across the United States recently. How do you get it?Cyclosporiasis is caused by eating food or water that contains the parasite (so small it can only be seen...
If you established a cover crop last fall or earlier this spring, the persistent April rainfall likely worked in your favor. Across northern Illinois, April weather was highly variable but ultimately warmer and much wetter than normal, shaping planting conditions throughout the western Chicago...
Listeriosis is a disease caused by the bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes. Listeriosis is often acquired from consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Foods often...
Yes, the flowers and grass in the basket in this blog's cover photo are real! Our horticulture staff added grass seed and soil to the baskets a week before class and then helped class participants plant...
Beans are a wonderful source of protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, iron, folate and potassium. Choosing dried beans over canned is generally a healthy idea since canned beans tend to be loaded with sodium. However, certain dried beans can be very harmful if not prepared correctly....
Many areas of Illinois are experiencing effects of little rain in 2025. This includes a community I work in that is asking its residents to practice water conservation. Beyond not using lawn irrigation...
Partnerships are a big part of Illinois Extension programs. This one started more than five years ago with a conversation about deer hunting and turned into recipes, videos, a webinar, and Hunters Feeding Illinois. As...
“How long has this turkey been in the fridge?” “Are these mashed potatoes still good?” “Will this stuffing last until Christmas?”These are common questions you might hear echoing from the kitchen after the holidays. Sharing food with family and friends makes great memories, but no one wants to...
What are your favorite nuts and seeds? Maybe pecans or walnuts? Sunflower or pumpkin seeds? Fortunately, no matter your favorites, nuts are a nutritious choice!NutritionNutritionally, 1/4 cup of most nuts and seeds - or 2 Tablespoons nut butter - contains 14-18g fat, 5-7g protein, 2-4g fiber,...
