Penn State Extension Food & Health

09/13/2025

Find information on safely preserving your pepper harvest at the home food preservation section of our website! 🌶️🫑🌶️As a bonus, sign up to attend our webinar Home Food Preservation: Introduction to Drying which will take place this Wednesday, September 17th at noon!

09/10/2025

From Grandma’s fridge to Gen Z’s feed — cottage cheese is officially viral. 💥
This article includes information on how to include it in a healthy eating plan and a recipe for cottage cheese bagels!

https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-make-cottage-cheese-work-for-you

09/08/2025

Have you heard about the Volumetrics Diet?

Join us and learn about a scientifically backed approach for managing your weight while eating satisfying and nutritious foods in this six-part series.

Each session features interactive discussions, food demonstrations, and real-world examples to help you build a balanced and enjoyable diet routine rooted in proven nutrition principles.

The virtual classes are starting Wednesday, September 10th at 12pm. Register today to save your spot!
https://extension.psu.edu/the-volumetrics-weigh-of-life-weight-management-plan

09/05/2025

PA Produce Feature #19: Apples

Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the nation for apple production! Colors range from various shades of red, green and yellow, while flavor can vary from tart to sweet.
Good cooking apples: McIntosh, Granny Smith, Rome, and Cortland
Good snacking apples: Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji and Gala

👩🏾‍🌾Harvest Season: July - October

🍎How to Select: Pick apples that are firm with smooth, clean skin. Apple should feel solid and heavy in your hand.

🍎Avoid: Apples with soft or dark spots, or that wrinkle when you rub your thumb across them. Avoid rough and scab-like conditions found on the stem-end.

🍎Storage: Store apples in a cool, dark place. They can also be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Storage times can vary by variety and freshness at purchase time; a general guideline under ideal conditions is 2-4 weeks.

🍎Nutrition: Apples are full of fiber and antioxidants… there’s a reason why they say, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”!

🍎How to prepare: Eat raw, dry as a snack, or add to salads. Can be used in many recipes from main courses to desserts!

Here is a recipe for a baked breakfast apple crumble, perfect for cool mornings: https://extension.psu.edu/baked-breakfast-apple-crumble-recipe

09/03/2025

It's time to head to your local market to pick up the ingredients for another delicious Market Fresh recipe! 🍽️ This week's featured recipe Mediterranean Chickpea Salad! 🥒🫑
For the full recipe and more, visit our Market Fresh resource page at https://extension.psu.edu/resources-for-market-fresh-with-extension

09/02/2025

🚨Upcoming Food Preservation Webinar🚨
Home Food Preservation: Freezing
Freezing food is one of the easiest ways to preserve the fresh flavors of summer!

In this webinar, you will learn:
🫐The basic principles behind freezing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and meats to ensure a safe product
🫐Various methods of freezing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and meats
🫐Pre-treatment steps such as blanching and using anti-darkening solutions to maintain food quality

Join us live on September 8th at noon to discover the benefits of freezing. Can't make it? All registrants receive the recording and handouts.
🔗Sign up today! https://extension.psu.edu/home-food-preservation-freezing-foods-webinar

08/29/2025

PA Produce Feature #18: Peaches
👩‍🌾Did you know that there are 2 different types of peaches?
Freestone- peach flesh easily separates from the pit (best for eating fresh and freezing)
Clingstone- peach flesh clings tightly to the pit (best for canning)

👩‍🌾Harvest Season: July-September
🍑How to Select: Pick peaches that are firm but slightly soft. An extremely ripe peach will have a sweet smell at room temperature.

🍑Avoid: Peaches that are extremely small, hard, have brown, soft, bruised spots and fermented smell, or wrinkled skin at the stem-end. Peaches that have a green background were picked immature and will not ripen well.

🍑Storage: Do not store unripe peaches in the refrigerator, in a plastic bag, or in direct sunlight. Peaches will ripen in a closed paper bag within 1 to 3 days. Once ripe, a peach will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

🍑Nutrition: Peaches are a great source of Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber!

🍑How to prepare: Peaches can be enjoyed in so many ways- fresh on its own, in a dessert, or in a fruit salsa.
This Peach Spinach Salad Recipe is a summer favorite: https://extension.psu.edu/peach-spinach-salad-recipe

08/29/2025

Hosting a picnic this weekend? Follow these tips for a safe summer picnic! 🌭🍔🍗🌽

https://extension.psu.edu/food-safety-at-summer-parties

Make sure your plans for summer parties consider safe food handling practices to prevent your guests from becoming ill.

08/28/2025

Canning Mock Pineapple is trending right now. Be sure to follow a lab-tested recipe to ensure safety. More info and recipe:
https://extension.psu.edu/zucchini-pineapple-aka-mock-pineapple