Polk Small Farms: New and Revised Families and Consumers publication, November/December 2017

November & December, we several new and revised releases in the Families and Consumers program area

Families and Consumers

Health & Nutrition

Best Practices for Shoppers at the Farmers' Market

Farmers’ markets are popular, diverse places to shop for fresh, local food, nursery stock, handmade crafts, and much more. This 3-page fact sheet is one in a “Florida Farmers’ Markets” series and offers recommendations for shoppers for a successful farmers’ market experience. Written by Maria Rometo, Jamie Sapijaszko, and Soohyoun Ahn and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, November 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs302

Cuba and US: Food Customs and Health

Cubans currently make up the third largest Hispanic population in the US, with many living in Florida (mostly in Miami). Therefore, their cultural influence is notable, especially when it comes to cuisine. This 3-page document discusses traditional meals, diet, and health among Cubans. Written by Agata Kowalewska and Edwin Makarevich and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, December 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs303

Facts about Vitamin D

Vitamin D is needed for normal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It helps put these minerals into bones and teeth. This makes bones stronger and reduces risk for bone fractures. Vitamin D also helps keep the immune system functioning normally, so our bodies can resist some types of disease. This 3-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses effects of vitamin D deficiency, intake recommendations, and sources of vitamin D. Written by Linda B. Bobroff and Isabel Valentín-Oquendo, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised November 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy207

Florida Peaches: A Perfect Snack

The growing conditions in Florida have given Florida-grown peaches unique characteristics that make them an ideal springtime snack. This 3-page document discusses the characteristics, health benefits, purchase, and storage of Florida peaches. Written by Joy Rumble, Kara Harders, and Kathryn Stofer and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, November 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc287

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed and Nutrition Profile of 35 Pumpkin Accessions

Pumpkin seed is high in oil, protein, and total unsaturated fatty acids and is a popular ingredient in snacks and other foods sold across the country. This 5-page article will discuss the health benefits, production, processing, and nutritional profile of pumpkin seed. Written by Geoffrey Meru, Yuqing Fu, Dayana Leyva, Paul Sarnoski, and Yavuz Yagiz and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, November 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1312

Healthy Eating: Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH

One eating plan that has been shown to prevent and reduce high blood pressure is DASH. This 3-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses the DASH eating plan, its importance, foods included in the eating plan, and servings. Written by Valerie Weyenberg, Karla P. Shelnutt, and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised December 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1128

Healthy Meal Plans

A meal plan is a guide to help you plan daily meals and snacks. It allows you to eat foods you enjoy that provide a good balance of nutrients for your health. Meal plans can be used by anyone interested in healthy eating, and they are very helpful for people who want to manage their weight. This 20-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses meal plans, food lists, and healthy choices. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised December 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy522

Living Well to Keep Your Pressure Down

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can cause serious health problems. It makes your heart work harder and can damage your blood vessels even if you feel okay. Everyone should have their blood pressure checked regularly. If you have certain risk factors, you are more likely to have high blood pressure. This 6-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses risk factors and ways to reduce risk. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised November 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy305

Peach Consumption: A Profile of Purchasers and Non-Purchasers

Peaches are among the most commonly produced fruits in the United States; understanding consumer awareness, perceptions, and preferences regarding Florida peaches is important to the future of the industry. This 5-page document addresses consumers’ perceptions of Florida peaches, purchasing motivations and barriers, preferred packaging options and opportunities, purchasing locations, and knowledge of peach health benefits. Written by Joy Rumble, Kara Harders, and Kathryn Stofer and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, December 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc288

Food Safety

Food Allergies

A food allergy is a specific immune system reaction that happens after a person consumes what is normally considered a safe food. Reactions can range in severity from minor to fatal. This 4-page document discusses the cause, symptoms, and management of food allergies in children and adults. Written by Keith R. Schneider, Renee Goodrich-Schneider, Soohyoun Ahn, Susie Richardson, Ploy Kurdmongkoltham, and Bruna Bertoldi and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, November 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs123

Food Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

Food is always an important part of holiday festivities, but holiday meals can take a turn for the worse if food safety is not properly practiced when preparing and cooking the food. This 7-page factsheet provides information about safe food practices for the holidays. Written by Soohyoun Ahn, Jessica A. Lepper, and Keith R. Schneider and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, November 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs260