Gardening | Kentucky Nutrition Education Program

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Understanding Winter Storms : Be Winter Storm Ready

It is hard to know when winter storms will hit year-to-year.  But this year, make sure you are prepared for any that come our way.  Winter storms are seen when the temperatures drop and there may be ice, sleet, snow or freezing rain. There are many different types of winter storms.  Sometimes, there is only […]


Grow Your Own Way! Gardening in Small Spaces…

Gardening in its many forms is a popular hobby in Kentucky. It promotes healthy habits such as spending time outdoors, being physically active, and raising homegrown fruits and vegetables for your family. If you live in urban areas, have little space, or have limited mobility, you may think gardening won’t work for you. However, raised […]


Finding the truth about nutrition and chronic disease

The topic of nutrition keeps getting more popular. Everybody has different opinions about nutrition trends, so it is hard to know what information is true. Not everybody forms their opinions around evidence and research. On the internet and social media, opinions and trends spread faster than the science behind them. For example, a website can […]


Start the New Year with a Clean Fridge

When it comes to food safety, one of the most important items in your kitchen is the refrigerator. Unfortunately, it is the least likely for you to clean. Refrigerators keep food cold to prevent harmful bacteria from growing. It only makes sense that you should clean it regularly to keep food safe. Start cleaning your […]


New Year’s Day Calls for Black-Eyed Peas

I’ve been eating black-eyed peas, cornbread, and stewed tomatoes on New Year’s Day for as long as I can remember. Everyone told me it would bring good luck and prosperity, but no one told me how or why.  It was just something we did. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not so much a […]


How to Use a Meat Thermometer

No one wants their guests or family to get sick from the food they have prepared, but many people run that risk each day by not using a meat thermometer to check their food for proper doneness. Instead, they rely on the color of the meat or the appearance of clear juices. Meat that has […]


Seasonally available produce in Kentucky: Winter

When we think of fresh, local produce, we usually think about the summer months when farmers harvest new items each day. Rarely we think of the coldest months of the year providing us with fresh produce. In Kentucky, it is possible to find onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and a variety of winter squashes during the […]


The Wonders of Microwave Cooking Made Simple

Microwave ovens are not just kitchen gadgets; they are our handy companions in a world that moves at lightning speed. These small appliances are staples in our homes and break rooms and offer several advantages in our fast-paced lives. Efficiency and Convenience: Microwave ovens are energy-efficient wonders. They outshine conventional and toaster ovens in terms […]


Safely Saving Those Holiday Leftovers

One of the best things about the holidays is all the food. Oftentimes, the abundance of food results in many leftovers. Just like uncooked food, leftovers can cause foodborne illness if you don’t properly handle them. Taking food safety precautions will help you get the most from leftovers. Have a plan for how you are going to use those leftovers and stock up on […]


Winter Squash Offers Lots of Options for Healthy Eating

Looking for some nutrient-dense foods to add to your dinner plate this fall? Even though they are available all year long, cool weather brings on a hardy crop of winter squash in Kentucky. Squashes come in a wide array of varieties, shapes, sizes, and colors. They are members of the vast Cucurbitaceae family of vines […]


Transporting Food Safely to Holiday Gatherings

‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings! Family, friends and food are always a good combination. Just be sure that you are not sharing an upset stomach with your loved ones. Let traveling time decide who brings what dish to your holiday potlucks. Perishable foods should stay at room temperature no longer than 2 hours. This […]