What parts of a pumpkin are edible?
September 27, 2022
Here's a quick food trivia question for you: What parts of a pumpkin are edible?...
Zucchini
September 1, 2021
Zucchini is a variety of summer squash and comes in a few varieties of its own.Zucchini is usually dark green (even black!), but can also be found in lighter shades and even yellow. Zucchini looks like an elongated cucumber or green squash. The flesh is soft and succulent and often lighter than the outer, darker...
Watermelon
September 1, 2021
Watermelon is a wonderfully refreshing fruit, especially during the hot North Carolina summers. Watermelon size and color varies depending on type, but often watermelons are round or elongated and the size of a soccer ball or larger. The outer skin should be tough and firm, as well as vibrant green in color. Some watermelons tend...
Turnip
September 1, 2021
Turnips are a root vegetable related to radishes and mustards. They have a cylindrical, carrot or top-shape, with a flat top and a root that tapers to a point. Their skin is almost smooth and can be green, or white with green or purple bands at the top. In addition to an edible root, the...
Tomato
September 1, 2021
Tomatoes, actually fruits, are an incredibly common food not only in America, but North Carolina specifically. Tomatoes come in many varieties that range in color and size, from tiny golden “Sungold” cherry tomatoes to giant dark “Cherokee Purple” heirlooms. Most common are the red slicing tomatoes. BEST STORAGE PRACTICES: To ripen, store tomatoes at room temperature. Once ripe,...
Swiss Chard
September 1, 2021
Swiss chard is included in the same family of vegetables as beets and spinach, but commonly grouped with mustard greens, kale, and collards. Swiss Chard has broad leaves and a husky, crisp stalk. The stalk ranges from white to hot pink or red, often called “Rainbow Chard”, with the leaves darkening towards the tops of the...
Sweet Potatoes
September 1, 2021
Sweet potatoes are neither potatoes nor yams. They belong to the same family as the vine Morning Glory, and contain an enzyme that converts its starches into sugars as the potato matures. This sweetness increases during storage and when cooked. The sweet potato tubers look quite similar to potatoes, but unlike the potato they taper...
Sweet Peas
September 1, 2021
Sweet peas, or sugar snap peas are heavier and thicker than than snow peas and deliciously sweet. Both peas and pod are edible on these tender veggies. Sweet peas tend to be about 2-3 inches long and grow on a climbing plant. Sweet peas tend to have plumper rounder peas than snow peas. BEST STORAGE PRACTICES: Sweet peas should...
Summer Squash
September 1, 2021
Summer squash is a generic name that applies to any squash varieties that grow during the summer and have a relatively short shelf life, unlike winter squash which can be stored for long periods of time. Summer squash are most often yellow, sometimes green, with elongated or rounded shapes. Summer squashes have firm outer skin with white...
Strawberries
September 1, 2021
North Carolina is ranked 4th in the US for strawberry production. Strawberries are a delicious berry and great source of many nutrients. Strawberries were even once used for toothpaste as the juices have been known to cleanse stained or discolored teeth. Strawberries range from about an inch in size to up to several inches with vibrant...