Blogs

Eggs are a tasty and easy-to-prepare source of protein. But when storing and handling them safely, you might have some questions. How long do eggs last in the fridge? If an egg floats, does that mean it’s bad? Can you freeze eggs? Let’s crack open some common egg safety questions!How long...

Fresh produce packing facilities come in different sizes and designs. Some maybe fully closed and others partially closed with a few legs and a roof. Some may be permanent structures and others temporary. Farms may also use their limited space to accomplish multiple activities which may include...

The winter season gives us time to relax a bit and to plan for the next growing season. University of Illinois Extension would like to work with you in meeting some of your food safety learning and implementation goals. You may have already taken a food safety training related to fresh produce and...

Something special happens when people gather around the table to eat together. It is even more amazing when they gather around the table to learn to cook together. Local University of Illinois Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education staff partner with after school programs to...

Although it is the season of giving, foodborne illness is a gift nobody wants! Many of the favorite holiday foods pose a potential health risk if not stored, prepared and handled properly. Two of the most important rules to remember are:  1) Keep hot food hot and cold food cold...

There are more varieties you can grow and buy, but the main winter squashes I see sold in grocery stores and from farm stands around me are butternut, spaghetti, and acorn squashes.  Acorn squashes are typically small, and if...

What's safe to bring into my home? I think about this topic often when I shop in thrift stores. I like saving money where I can and sometimes decide to start my search there. Maybe for you, the search starts at individual or community garage...

Every summer Extension Pesticide Safety Education Specialists are asked the same type of question repeatedly by home vegetable gardeners.  The details leading up the situation at hand vary, but in the end the basic question is the same. Their vegetable plants have accidentally or mistakenly...

"I have more eggs in the summer than I know what to do with," said a community member calling into my office. If you have backyard chickens, there might come a time when you have more eggs than your household will eat. Let's talk about some...

Washing fresh produce after harvest has several benefits including removing soil and cooling produce. The Produce Safety Rule...