Tag

Fresh Produce

All articles tagged with #fresh produce

health14 days ago•8 min saved

Cyclospora: the hidden parasite behind explosive diarrhea from raw produce

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, usually contracted from contaminated fresh produce or water; it is not typically spread person-to-person, but can trigger weeks of explosive diarrhea and other GI symptoms, diagnosed by stool tests (often multiple samples), with prevention focused on washing produce and safe handling since contamination can occur before produce reaches consumers; outbreaks have been reported in North Carolina and elsewhere, especially during May–August when fresh produce is most imported.

via WRAL|

#cyclospora #cyclosporiasis #foodborne-illness

health19 days ago•3 min saved

Produce safety tips as Michigan sees cyclosporiasis outbreak

More than 170 Michiganders have contracted cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing watery, explosive diarrhea. Health officials are investigating a multi-county outbreak linked to imported fresh produce. The CDC urges preventive steps: wash hands before and after handling produce, rinse produce under running water, scrub firm fruits and vegetables, cut away damaged areas, and refrigerate cut or cooked produce promptly. Some outbreaks have been tied to items like basil, cilantro, raspberries and lettuce. If symptoms occur, seek medical care for possible antibiotic treatment and hydration.

via Detroit Free Press|

#cdc #cyclosporiasis #diarrhea

food3 months ago•13 min saved

Reddit Says 11 Veggies Are Best Fresh, Not Frozen

Reddit users argue that 11 common vegetables—cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms, lettuce, onions, carrots, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, avocados, and celery—are best bought fresh because freezing often dulls texture and flavor for raw uses. The piece notes freezing caveats and occasional workarounds: cucumbers can be sugar-brined to retain some crispness, tomatoes freeze best for sauces, mushrooms become watery, lettuce freezes poorly, onions can become mushy, asparagus loses snap, Brussels sprouts may turn mushy when frozen, potatoes should be cooked or blanched before freezing, avocados don’t freeze well unless diced with lemon juice for guac or smoothies, and celery loses its crunch though it can be used in frozen mirepoix or prepped in blocks. Overall, freezing is useful mainly for cooked-down dishes or prepped bases, while fresh is preferred for peak flavor and texture.

via The Takeout|

#food #fresh-produce #frozen-foods

health-and-safety2 years ago•2 min saved

"Salmonella Risk Prompts Cucumber Recall in 14 States"

Fresh Start Produce Sales has recalled whole cucumbers shipped to 14 states due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall follows a positive test for the bacteria by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The FDA is conducting further investigations, and consumers are advised to discard or return the recalled cucumbers. Salmonella can cause serious infections, particularly in vulnerable populations.

via New York Post |

#fda #food-recall #fresh-produce

health-and-nutrition2 years ago•8 min saved

"Soda Tax Funds Fresh Produce for Boulder Families"

Boulder, Colorado's Fruit and Veg program, funded by a local soda tax, provides coupons for fresh produce to families in need, allowing them to choose and buy nutritious food. The program, serving about 580 families, aims to bridge the gap for those who don't qualify for federal benefits. Nutrition incentive programs like this have shown success in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, with high coupon redemption rates. The use of soda tax revenue to fund such programs is innovative, providing a "triple win" for consumers, farmers, and the economy, and is seen as a creative way to promote healthy eating.

via NPR|

#community-health #food-assistance-program #fresh-produce

lifestyle2 years ago•7 min saved

Year-Round Freshness: Indoor Gardens for Winter Herb and Veggie Growth

Indoor gardening systems like Gardyn and Auk offer a solution for growing fresh herbs and vegetables all winter long. Gardyn Home Kit 3.0 is a larger hydroponic garden with integrated grow lights and cameras, controlled through a connected app and AI assistant. Auk is a smaller system that uses trays filled with soil and seeds, with automatic feeding and watering. Both systems provide abundant produce and herbs, but Gardyn is more expensive and offers a wider range of plants and accessories. Auk is a more compact and affordable option for countertop gardening.

via Forbes|

#fresh-produce #gardening-technology #hydroponics

lifestyle2 years ago•4 min saved

Kevin Bacon's Surprising Dietary Shift: From Bacon Lover to Plant-Based Power Pancakes

Actor Kevin Bacon has revealed that he no longer eats bacon or other meat from pigs due to his personal connection to the animals he keeps on his farm. Bacon, who lives on a farm in Connecticut with his wife Kyra Sedgwick, has decided to keep pigs and goats and feels uncomfortable consuming them. He also grows fresh produce on his farm and enjoys the experience of eating vegetables that he has grown himself. Bacon emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment and having control over what he puts in his body. While he enjoys eating out, he prefers to dine at home for more control over his food choices.

via Daily Mail|

#animal-welfare #fresh-produce #kevin-bacon

food-and-nutrition2 years ago•2 min saved

The Surprising Benefits of Frozen Blueberries for Your Health

Choosing frozen blueberries over fresh ones offers several advantages, including a longer shelf life, pre-packaged cleanliness, and the ability to easily incorporate them into various recipes. Additionally, frozen blueberries may provide more nutritional value as freezing concentrates the antioxidants, known as anthocyanins, found in the skin of the berries. These antioxidants have been linked to various health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, frozen blueberries maintain their delicious flavor and freshness, making them a convenient and nutritious choice.

via Tasting Table|

#antioxidants #food-and-nutrition #fresh-produce

food-and-health2 years ago•3 min saved

"Japan's Surprising Take on Indulgent Food: A Healthier Alternative to the US"

Japanese wellness writer Kaki Okumura, who grew up in the US and Japan, shares her perspective on indulgent food. In Japan, indulgence is not solely based on calories or perceived unhealthiness, but rather on seasonality, freshness, locality, and production techniques. Fresh produce, seafood, and artisanally-grown fruits are often seen as indulgent. Okumura emphasizes that indulgent food and healthy food are not mutually exclusive, and viewing indulgence through the lens of quality and taste can expand our understanding of eating well.

via Insider|

#food-and-health #fresh-produce #healthy-eating

food-and-drink2 years ago•3 min saved

Discover the Top-rated Grocery Stores and Butcher Shops in the US

The Fresh Market has been crowned the best grocery store in the US for the third year in a row, offering a personalized shopping experience and a focus on fresh produce and private label items. Hy-Vee takes the title for the best grocery store for produce and prepared food, sourcing locally grown fruits and vegetables and offering a wide range of ready-to-eat meals. The Fresh Market also wins in the categories of best grocery store bakery and deli. John Mull's Meats in Las Vegas is recognized as the best butcher shop, known for its wide selection of meat cuts and game processing services.

via USA Today|

#butcher-shops #food-and-drink #food-markets

food-and-agriculture2 years ago•3 min saved

Rising Prices: The Impact on Frozen Fruit and Vegetable Costs

Frozen fruit and vegetable prices in the US have surged by almost 12% over the past year, while the cost of fresh produce has seen minimal increases. This discrepancy can be attributed to climate change and extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall and drought in California, which have caused problems for farmers. Additionally, factors like the war in Ukraine, labor cost increases, and disruptions in the supply chain have contributed to the shortage of ingredients for frozen goods. These challenges are expected to impact farmers' profitability and result in higher prices for consumers.

via MarketWatch|

#climate-change #food-and-agriculture #fresh-produce

food-and-cooking3 years ago•1 min saved

Revive Your Potatoes: Don't Discard Soft Spots Automatically

Soft spots on potatoes are safe to eat and are a result of dehydration. These spots do not affect the overall flavor or texture of the potato, so you can simply cut off the affected sections and continue cooking. However, if the potato is mushy all over, has black coloring, or smells rotten, it should be discarded. To keep potatoes fresh, store them in a cool, dry place and separate them from ethylene-emitting produce. Freezing is also an option for long-term storage.

via Tasting Table|

#cooking-tips #dehydration #food-and-cooking

agriculture3 years ago•6 min saved

"Revolutionizing Fresh Produce: Texas Vertical Farms Disrupt Supply Chains"

Eden Green Technology, a farming technology company based in Texas, is utilizing indoor vertical farming to disrupt the fresh produce supply chain. Their vertical greenhouse, located near a Walmart distribution center, can grow 2 million pounds of lettuce per year, reducing the need for long-distance transportation. Another company, Revol Greens, has also opened a large controlled environment agriculture lettuce facility in Texas. Meanwhile, Mexico has imposed a 50% tariff on white corn exports from the US, as part of a trade dispute over genetically modified corn. Quality Custom Distribution is opening a new distribution center in Texas, and US Customs and Border Protection officers seized nearly 900,000 fentanyl pills in California.

via FreightWaves|

#agriculture #controlled-environment-agriculture #fresh-produce

health3 years ago•2 min saved

"CT Health Officials Issue Warning on Parasite-Linked Illnesses from Produce"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a recent outbreak of Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection, reported in over 20 states, including Connecticut. The illness is linked to a parasite commonly found in fresh produce. The source of the outbreak is still unknown, but federal health officials have ruled out raw broccoli as the cause. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, increased bowel movements, stomach cramps, and nausea. Immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk of getting sick. To prevent infection, it is advised to properly prepare and clean fruits and vegetables, and maintain good hand hygiene. Antibiotics are used to treat the illness, and healthcare providers are urged to report any cases to local health departments.

via NBC Connecticut|

#cdc #cyclosporiasis #food-safety

health3 years ago•2 min saved

CDC Investigates Parasitic Stomach Bug Outbreak Across Multiple States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a recent string of illnesses in multiple states, including California, linked to a parasite often found in different kinds of fresh produce. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically spread by ingesting food or water contaminated with feces. So far this year, 210 illnesses linked to the parasite have been reported in the United States, with between one to five of those cases reported in California. The illness is treated with antibiotics and the CDC advises health care providers to report any cases to the local health department.

via Patch|

#california #cdc #cyclosporiasis