Recipe Spotlight

Fresh Strawberries Go Beyond Sweet to Hit a Savory Note by RYAN MILEJCZAK Plump, juicy strawberries are an amazing snack on their own. They’re also commonly included in a variety of sweet recipes, from the classic strawberry shortcake to strawberry jam and many more. But strawberries are more versatile than you think; they can also […]

Edible Flowers a Flavorful Treat for Eyes, Tastebuds Alike by RYAN MILEJCZAK Flowers are one of nature’s great wonders, coming in an astounding variety of shapes and colors. But flowers don’t just look pretty, many of them are also edible! Edible flowers come from a variety of species across the plant kingdom. They can be

Fresh Florida Avocados Steal the Spotlight  by RYAN MILEJCZAK Did you know that we’re currently in the heart of Florida avocado season! This unique green fruit is native to the Americas, and widely grown in our state, especially in South Florida. While it might be best known for its starring role in Mexican dishes like

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Who doesn’t look forward to Thanksgiving dinner? While we all love the classics like turkey, stuffing, and green bean casserole, what about celebrating Thanksgiving with an oh-so-Florida twist? In fact, Florida’s autumn bounty provides tons of options for delicious Thanksgiving treats. Crunchy alligator bites are the perfect appetizer, while fresh, in-season Florida

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Out of all vegetables, perhaps none are as emblematic of fall as squash. Pumpkins signal the start of the autumn season, while dishes like roasted butternut squash shine in Thanksgiving day feasts. Even better, tons of squash varieties are grown right here in Florida.  No matter what variety, squash are highly versatile

Florida Grapefruit: Citrus That Doubles as Savory by RYAN MILEJCZAK Grapefruit comes in white and red (sometimes called pink) varieties, with the red varieties being the most popular. Similar to other citrus fruits, they’re an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as potassium, thiamine, and folate. Since they’re mostly water, grapefruit are also a

Enjoy Your Peanuts With a Little Pizazz by RYAN MILEJCZAK Florida peanuts are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re rich in healthy fats, protein, and key nutrients like B vitamins and vitamin E. A single 100 gram serving of peanuts provides 95% of the recommended daily value of manganese, and significant amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and dietary

Not-So-Sinful Summer Munchin’ by ANDREA NIKOLAI, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Summertime cookouts are a great way to bring people together but can also put your family in a land mine of high fat and high sugar options. Luckily, you can still get the great tastes of sweet, crunchy and savory foods and feel good about

Refreshing Recipes to Pluck Straight From Your Garden by RYAN MILEJCZAK Crisp, refreshing mint is a favorite for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike. It’s super easy to grow, beloved by pollinators, and absolutely thrives in the hot and humid Florida climate. There are different kinds of mint, which are all in the genus Mentha,

Say a Sweet Farewell to the Season With Even Sweeter Treats by RYAN MILEJCZAK Strawberries might be the official State Dessert of Florida, but they’re not the only sweet treat grown here in Florida. Right now, it’s the blueberry’s time to shine.  Every year from March to May, Florida blueberry season provides us with a