Stories
What is in your food, in plain words.
American dining may have evolved from Old World custom into the "three square meals" tradition of the 20th century, but today's consumers are snackers. In fact, over the last four decades, more Americans have traded…
6 min read
Social media platforms provide opportunities to engage : whether it be through a community with a common interest or experience, a campaign built around a cause or goal, or a conversation centered on a specific topic…
4 min read
Say goodbye to cupcakes and hello to all-natural, whole-grain popcorn. According to the Popcorn Board, Americans consume about 51 quarts of popcorn per person each year. Beyond movie theaters, popcorn is replacing…
4 min read
May is National Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month and today : May 4 : is Melanoma Monday. Right now, that might not mean anything to you. Four months ago, it did not mean anything to me, either.
3 min read
Fresh flowers can brighten a day, a room : and even a plate! While they may seem intrinsically ornamental, edible flowers can be budget-friendly, convenient and healthy additions to any home cook's repertoire.
2 min read
Some say sugar : including natural sugar found in 100-percent fruit juice : is behind the obesity epidemic, responsible for heart disease and causes cancer. Are concerns about sugar overshadowing fruit juice's…
3 min read
Prophylactic use of antibiotics in animal feed helps livestock stay healthy and grow faster, but it also may speed the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria that, according to the Centers for Disease Control, kill…
6 min read
Until recently, shopping for organic foods required a special trip to a natural foods store or farmers market. As interest in organics grew, organic foods became widely available in conventional supermarkets, but…
4 min read
Nothing says summer quite like the sweet, juicy flavors of stone fruits. Whether you prefer peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots or cherries : or any of their hybrids : act quickly: Unlike apples or pears, fresh…
3 min read
When planning out your day’s snacks , try to always focus on pairing your food groups. What do I mean? Take a look at this super-simple formula. I promise you it is foolproof and, when practiced with portion control,…
1 min read
For centuries, essential oils have been used to treat a variety of conditions, from lack of mental clarity and alertness to depression and indigestion. Today, practitioners employ essential oils using a combination…
4 min read
Steeped in family togetherness and traditional foods among the Jewish community, Passover celebrates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Seder dinner occurs on the evening of the 15th day of…
3 min read
A teaspoon here, a dash there … For people who regularly take medications, could drugs interact with the spices and herbs used in recipes?
2 min read
Since ancient times, horseradish has been prized for its medicinal and gastronomic qualities. A few centuries ago, central Europe was the hotbed of horseradish consumption. Today, horseradish is grown in the U.S. :…
3 min read
I live in New York City : not the coldest of the cold, but not always the most pleasant climate for winter outdoor activities. My friends in Minneapolis, Anchorage, Chicago, and Buffalo: I applaud you for even…
3 min read
With approximately 300 food co-ops in the U.S. today, cooperative grocers represent fewer than 1 percent of American grocery stores. But food co-ops : which are owned and directed by customers rather than…
5 min read
The Abenaki Native American tribe in New England has a story to tell about maple syrup. Long ago, the Great Spirit gave the Abenaki people an abundance of food. One of the Great Spirit’s biggest gifts was the maple…
7 min read
One of the latest preserved food trends is arguably one of the more confusing. Not only is "uncured bacon" cured (usually in salt), but its appeal is due to the absence of nitrates and nitrites : which may be…
1 min read
What do corn tortillas and grits have in common? They’re both made from hominy. Made by soaking corn kernels in an alkali solution of lye or slaked lime to remove the hull and germ in a process called…
4 min read
Whether it’s naan in India, baguettes in France, tortillas in Mexico or lavash in the Middle East, the breaking of bread brings people together throughout the world.
4 min read
For many, the love affair with baking starts at a very young age, when it’s as easy as adding water to a mix, stirring with a plastic spoon and watching in awe as tiny brownies baked under an everyday light bulb in…
4 min read
"Breast is best" has long been the mantra to new mothers and is a favorite among many registered dietitian nutritionists.
5 min read
When her second child was born, Jenna knew something was amiss; even as a baby, Alexa was hard to soothe. Today, she is a 3-year-old picky eater who is easily frustrated and melts down over anything from wearing…
4 min read
Breast milk is naturally bacteria-free, but if you are pumping to store for later use, milk can be contaminated by bacteria on the breast shield or the bottle. Mothers should wash their hands first and always use a…
1 min read
