Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month – June 2019

Summertime brings back memories of working in my grandma’s garden. We would gather up the fresh green okra, warm red tomatoes, bright yellow squashes, and dark purple eggplant in the morning before the heat of the day and then have the freshest, most flavorful (and colorful) supper that evening. Fruits and vegetables contain the vitamins, … Read More


National Strawberry Month – 2019

Many North Carolinians look forward to fresh strawberries each spring. Strawberries are a popular fruit with 94% of American households eating strawberries each year. Although strawberries can now be bought in a grocery store year round, these strawberries, usually from California, are not as sweet and juicy as the locally grown strawberries. Strawberries are grown … Read More


Storage of Fruits and Vegetables

With all the different fruits and vegetables available at the grocery store and Farmers Market, it’s hard to know exactly how to store all of them. Here’s a quick reference guide for storing your fresh fruits and vegetables:   Fruits and vegetables that should be stored in the refrigerator (at 40°F or below) include apples … Read More


Peach Salsa

Ingredients 2 ¼ cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped (about 2 large peaches) 1 tablespoon finely chopped red pepper or jalapeno (if you like a little heat) 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Directions Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Serve over chicken or fish.   Adapted … Read More


Fresh-Made Salsa

Makes 2 cups Ingredients ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon lime juice, or juice from half a lime 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved or 1 ½ cups chopped fresh tomatoes ½ teaspoon cumin Directions Rinse and cut onion, pepper, cilantro, … Read More


Farmers Market Week!

Farmers Markets provide a casual atmosphere to meet farmers, ask them questions about their products, and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh, canned, and frozen produce can all be great choices when it comes to eating more fruits and vegetables, but fresh produce that’s in-season may be cheaper and taste better than its canned or … Read More



Quick and Easy Summer Salad

Summer is the time when I am looking for great recipes to add to my go-to list. My new found Tomatoes, Onion & Cucumber Salad has been on my rotating list for side-dishes for a few months now, and it’s delicious every time I make it. It tastes great with everything from grilled fish to chicken. … Read More


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Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

North Carolina State University
Agricultural and Human Sciences Department

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES)