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...
Although National Pepper Month is celebrated in November, sweet and hot peppers are coming out of gardens and farmers markets in mid- and late-summer here in Illinois. While the peppers are peak quality, I'll enjoy them fresh as a...
Once (maybe twice) each winter, my rural grocery store will stock whole pomegranates. They are a highlight of my winter fruit picks because of their sweet taste and pop of vibrant ruby red. Plus I get a chance to practice mindfulness...
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...
"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...
Canning food at home has been around since the early 1800s, with the first mason jar designed for canning distributed in 1884. Canning, freezing, and drying is a science and has evolved over the last 100 years. The only safe way to can food at home and store at room temperature is by using...
Summer means lot of choices for fresh fruits and vegetables, including melons. Today I want to share some recipes with melon I developed for a program back in 2018 for those receiving Community Supported Agriculture...
Canning season is in full swing, and a common question I get asked each year is, "Can I use my glass or ceramic cooktop when canning?” To answer this question, begin by contacting your cooktop manufacturer to find out what they recommend.
But then I want you to ask yourself, "Is it a...
One vegetable that is notably present in grocery stores across the nation each spring is asparagus. Although asparagus can be found year-round, the peak availability of this perennial vegetable is in the spring.
This vegetable has long slender, brightly colored spears with pointy crowns. The color...
During gardening season, Americans home can fruit and vegetables to store them at room temperature and enjoy them throughout the year. Fruits and vegetables go bad much quicker than dry ingredients such as flour, but how long can flour be stored, and is it safe for home canning like fresh produce?...
