Using & Storing Strawberries
South Carolina-grown strawberries are available late-April through May. Strawberries are Good for You Strawberries are: high in vitamin C. a good source of potassium. a source of fiber. How to Buy...
Category: Food
Using & Storing Peaches
South Carolina-grown peaches are available May through August. Peaches are Good for You Peaches are: a source of vitamins A and C. a good source of fiber. low in calories—35 calories per 2½”...
Using & Storing Tomatoes
Tomatoes are actually fruits, but most people eat them like vegetables. South Carolina-grown tomatoes are at their prime June through September. Tomatoes are Good for You Tomatoes are: a good source...
Using & Storing Winter Squash
South Carolina-grown winter squash is available in the summer and fall. Winter Squash is Good for You Winter squash is: an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body uses to make vitamin A. a...
Jelly & Jam Recipes
General Directions Prepare only one recipe at a time because double batches may not gel properly. Use half-pint jars to avoid a weak gel that may result with larger jars due to residual heat during...
Pepper Basics
Purchasing & Preparing Peppers Sweet peppers should be fresh-looking, firm, thick-fleshed and a bright green or red color, depending on the stage of maturity. Avoid peppers that are soft and...
Melon Basics
Buying Melons When selecting melons of any variety, look for quality and freshness. The melon rind should have good color and should not be misshapen or bruised. The rind should give slightly at the...
Cucumber Basics
Buying Cucumbers for Fresh Eating Select only well-shaped, firm cucumbers that are a deep green color. Avoid any exceptionally large cucumbers or those appearing puffy, shriveled or withered. At...
Corn Basics
Getting Ready to Preserve Corn Select only tender, freshly-gathered corn in the milk stage. Husk and trim the ears, remove silks, and wash. Canning Corn Wash ears and blanch 3 minutes in boiling...
Food Safety after a Tornado
Be Prepared If you live in an area where loss of electricity from seasonal storms is a problem, you can plan ahead to be prepared for the worst. Keep your freezer as full as possible by freezing...
Dill Pickles & Sauerkraut
How Does Fermentation Preserve? Brined pickles or fermented pickles go through a curing process in a brine (salt and water) solution for one or more weeks. Curing changes the color, flavor and...
Fruit Syrups & Honeys
Fruit Syrups Juices from fresh or frozen blueberries, cherries, grapes, raspberries (black or red) and strawberries are easily made into toppings for use on ice cream, pancakes and pastries. Fruit...