Nutrition

Top View of Omelette on Iron Cast Pans.

Cast Iron Basics: How to Clean, Season, and Maintain Your Cast Iron Pan

— By Alex Bosse, Nutrition Education Professional for UMaine Cooperative Extension Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) For most of my life, I avoided using cast iron pans. Why use a cast iron pan, when you could just use stainless-steel, non-stick, or any other pan where the steps are so much simpler: cook, clean, […]

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A person typing on a laptop.

5 Questions to Ask When You’re Navigating Nutrition Research

— By Kayla Parsons, RDN, PhD Student, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Nutrition information is easily accessible in today’s digital age. Magazines, advertisements, books, blogs, podcasts, social media platforms, and every person you know probably has something to say about nutrition. Eating is a universal behavior, with food serving an integral role in health and […]

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A table with a fruit bowl, orange juice, and other fruits.

The Juicy Details: Breaking Down Common Terms & Labels Found on Fruit Products

— By Alex Bosse, Nutrition Education Professional for UMaine Cooperative Extension EFNEP (Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program) Have you ever found yourself at the grocery store confused by the labeling on some of your favorite products? I know I definitely have, and my favorite food group (fruits) is no exception. Whether its products labeled […]

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Close up of chocolate bars.

The Sweet Truth: Uncovering the Health Benefits of Chocolate

— By Kayla Parsons, PhD Student, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day, and quite frankly, can be enjoyed in moderation during the whole year. You may have taste preferences on your preferred treats, whether it’s peanut butter cups, dark chocolate covered strawberries or white chocolate truffles, but do you know […]

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Roasted vegetables on a plate.

Mainely Dish: Roasted Vegetables

— By Kayla Parsons, RDN and PhD Student, University of Maine Cooperative Extension It’s hard to beat the aromatic smell of vegetables roasting, while you’re enjoying a cozy day inside during Maine’s cold winter. EFNEP’s Mainely Dish: Roasted Vegetables Recipe is an easy way to accomplish that sense of warmth, resulting in an appetizing side […]

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Charcuterie board with meat, cheese, crackers, and fruit.

How to Build a Healthy Charcuterie Board for the Holidays

— By Kayla Parsons, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Ph.D. Student, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Heading to a holiday party, but not sure what to bring? Everyone loves a well-assembled charcuterie board (pronounced: shaar-koot-tr-ee). While charcuterie traditionally refers to the preparation of cured meats, the term is frequently used to describe snack trays and plates […]

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Food pantry staff member helps client.

7 Ways to Support Local Food Pantries

— Kate Yerxa, Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Food pantries and community organizations play a role in improving the food and nutrition security of Mainers. Donating to these organizations through individual and group efforts is a way to help make a positive impact in the areas where you live. Before you donate or […]

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Pumpkin smoothie and a pumpkin

Mainely Dish: Pumpkin Smoothie

— By Kayla Parsons, Registered Dietitian and PhD student, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Visit EFNEP’s recipe website for the Pumpkin Smoothie recipe and recipe video. Is pumpkin your go-to fruit during November? (Yes, pumpkin is a fruit because it begins as a flower!) Try EFNEP’s Pumpkin Smoothie recipe for a creamy twist on this […]

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Red and white onions

7 Types of Onions and the Best Ways to Use Them

— By Kayla Parsons, Registered Dietitian and PhD student, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Are you a fan of all things onion? Onions are vegetables in the Allium family and include numerous varieties. Upgrade your cooking knowledge by learning about 7 common types of onions, their uses, and some of the Expanded Food & Nutrition […]

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Turkey sausage on a plate.

Mainely Dish: Turkey Apple Sausage Patties

— By Kayla Parsons, PhD student, RDN, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Visit the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program’s recipe website for the Turkey Apple Sausage Patties recipe and recipe video. There’s nothing better than a breakfast that hits multiple flavor profiles. This Mainely Dish Turkey Apple Sausage recipe is sweet and savory, encapsulating […]

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