Nutrition

Storage containers in a refrigerator with fresh produce on the shelves

Reducing Your Foodprint: Back to School Lunches

by Leigh Neptune, University of Maine Dietetic Intern, & Kathy Savoie, Extension Educator What is a Foodprint? A “foodprint” is the sum of all the resources that are used to produce our food, as well as the impacts our food systems have on the environment, animal welfare, farmers, and other workers within food systems, the […]

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Variety of legumes in cooking pots

How to Store and Cook Dried Beans

Do you have a bag of dried beans in your pantry and you have been avoiding cooking them because you weren’t sure how? Well, let go of the uncertainty! We have put together all the information you need to know about storing and preparing dried beans with confidence.  Storage Store dry beans in a cool, […]

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group of spaghetti inside a pot isolated on white background

Top 10 Kitchen Essentials

This blog entry is the first of our new “Ask EFNEP” posts where members of UMaine Cooperative Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) answer questions they are asked when delivering food and nutrition programs. This question was answered by Chris Finemore. Chris has worked with EFNEP in Aroostook County for almost 30 years. […]

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Picture of legumes in wooden scoop on white background.

All About Dried Beans, Peas and Lentils

Dry beans and peas are the mature forms of legumes such as kidney beans, pinto beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, and lentils. Legumes have an assortment of shapes and colors depending on the variety. Some common legume varieties grown in Maine include Yellow Eye, Jacob’s Cattle, Pinto, Soldier, Navy, Black Turtle, and Cranberry beans. Although […]

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How to Make the Most of Your Leftovers

Got leftovers? Don’t be so quick to toss extra food into the trash. You can safely store your delicious dishes to enjoy later and prevent foodborne illness by following a few important steps. Before deciding to store your leftovers, ask yourself these two questions:  Has your dish entered the “Temperature Danger Zone” of between 40-140 […]

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Healthy diet vegan food, veggie protein sources: Tofu, vegan milk, beans, lentils, nuts, soy milk, spinach and seeds. Top view on white table.

Where Do You Get Your Protein? A Helpful Guide To Plant-Based Protein Options

Are you curious about incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet but worried about not getting enough protein throughout the day? There are plenty of healthy, affordable, sustainable, and delicious plant-based protein options. Whether it’s plant-based protein options such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, legumes, nuts, seeds, or quinoa, there are plenty of plant-based protein options […]

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assorted dried beans, peas and lentils in sacks

How to Become a Vegetarian

Have you been thinking about a plant-based diet? Maybe you have embraced “meatless Mondays” or your interest in a vegetarian diet is fueled by concerns for animal welfare or the environment, or as a way to improve your health. Whatever your reason for choosing a vegetarian diet, I have tips and resources you can use. […]

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