STILLWATER, Okla. – It is the season for orange hats and camouflage. While hunters practice precautions in the field, it is also important to use safe practices while field dressing, processing, cooking and preserving venison.

In the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Wild Game Food Safety booth, hunters can watch a new Oklahoma produced DVD on field dressing, processing and cooking venison during the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s…[more]

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Low-calorie apples are a dieter’s dream-a medium apple has only about 80 calories. While they aren’t bursting with vitamins and minerals like some fruits, apples are loaded with pectin, a cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber. “Apples also contain antioxidant properties, which may be their secret weapon against disease,” said a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.

High-quality apples are smooth-skinned, crisp, juicy and…[more]

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Many people try to fulfill their nutrition needs by taking dietary supplements. But instead of buying supplements, you might want to head to the produce aisle to meet your dietary requirements, said a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.

Fruits and vegetables contain hundreds of phytochemicals that help promote health and prevent disease, said Karen Elliott. These phytochemicals are easily absorbed…[more]

(NewsUSA) - You don’t have to wait until the weekend to prepare a great meal on the grill.

This quick and simple recipe from The Pampered Chef and their new book, “Grill it Quick.” only takes 30 minutes from start to finish and is perfect for any night of the week.

Chipotle-Rubbed Beef Filets

To prepare steaks and mashed sweet potatoes in 30 minutes,…[more]

Canning fresh foods at home can be a safe and affordable way to preserve bounty from your garden, but it can also pose a health risk if done improperly.

“The most serious health risks with home canning are caused by improper preparation of the food during the canning process,” says department spokesperson Jaci McReynolds. “In fact, about 90% of the foodborne illness outbreaks and death related to botulism…[more]

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Many Missourians may have an untapped resource to combat rising food costs right in their own back yard: Families with ponds at least one-quarter acre in size can take a bite out of grocery bills by raising bass and bluegill to eat, said a University of Missouri fisheries expert.

“There are over 500,000 of these small ponds in Missouri,” said Rob Hayward, fisheries professor in…[more]

It is that time of year when the pressure canner comes out and foods are preserved for winter.

Both new and seasoned home canners have questions this time of year according to Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Listed below are some of the most common questions Roberts has received this year followed by her answer.

Q. How should…[more]

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - “My favorite nephew might make a little money some day if he ever learns to pay attention to me!” So began Uncle Ray’s most recent phone call. I added my customary fuel to the fire by asking, “So, who did you hoodwink today?”

“I ain’t hoodwinked a soul. I been taking my garden vegetables down to the farmers’ market and folks just grab em’ up…[more]

Farmers’ markets across the state are now accepting debit cards and electronic food stamps making it easier for people to buy local produce, cheeses, homemade breads, pies and a variety of other local Missouri-made products this season.

“Consumers have the opportunity to find many great farmers’ markets offering local products while increasing rural development in many communities across Missouri,” said Don Steen, director of the Missouri Department of…[more]

Choosing and Storing Key to Flavor of Peaches

For best flavor and lasting quality, it’s important to know how to choose and store peaches according to Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

“When buying or picking fresh peaches,…[more]