September Is National Mushroom Month

Shiitake happens. Celebrate national mushroom month by eating some mushrooms. Mushrooms typically have unique, nutty flavors, are low in calories and contain antioxidants. Try dehydrating shiitake mushrooms in a food dehydrator. Follow these steps:
- Cut mushrooms into 1/4 inch slices,
- Trim off thick mushroom stems,
- Place on food dehydrator trays and dry at 130 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 12 hours,
- When done, the slices should feel dry and crisp and contain no moisture.

Use in salads or as garnishes.

Food Safety Tips

September is food safety month. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs offers these tips for practicing good food safety:

- Repeatedly wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Clean any surfaces that your food will come in contact with; like cutting boards, counter tops and preparation utensils. Use hot soapy water on any surface areas before working with food.

- Separate different food products. Store fresh produce separately from raw meat, raw poultry or raw seafood. Do not use the same cutting board or utensils when handling raw food and fresh produce.

- Cook foods to the proper temperatures. Roasts and steaks 145 degrees. Poultry 165 degrees. Ground meat 160 degrees. Leftovers and casseroles 165 degrees. If making jerky in a food dehydrator, before dehydrating the meat, the United States Department of Agriculture recommends heating meat or poultry to the proper temperatures.

- Bacteria on food spreads fastest when ambient temperatures are above 40 degrees. Keep the refrigerator at 40 degrees or lower and promptly put leftovers in the fridge.

Americans Want Better Food Safety

Hart Research and Public Opinion Strategies recently published the results of a nationwide survey and poll regarding food safety that was conducted June 29-July 3, 2009. The highlights of the poll found:

- 91% of the people surveyed favor at least annual government inspections of food processing plants which handle food with higher risks of contamination
- 90% of the people surveyed would support the federal government adopting additional food safety measures
- 83% of the people surveyed said the federal government should be responsible for ensuring that food is safe to eat
- 64% of the people surveyed believe that imported foods are sometimes not safe to eat

Take more control of the food that you eat. Become more of a locavore. A locavore is defined as a person that attempts to eat only locally grown foods – typically foods grown within a 100 mile radius. Eating locally grown foods is beneficial in a many ways. A locavore:

- supports local farmers,
- supports local communities and economies
- reduces fuel emissions involved in the transport of food and
- provides a higher level of nutrients and antioxidants compared to store bought food

Use a food dehydrator to dry, preserve and store your locally bought food. Studies have shown that Americans waste over 30% of their food. Use a dehydrator to dehydrate fruits and vegetables before they spoil.

Food Waste - How A Food Dehydrator Can Help

The University of Texas at Austin ("UT") recently became one of the latest universities to eliminate cafeteria trays from their dining halls. While some of UT's dining halls remain all you can eat buffets, students, teachers and other diners will now carry their food on plates instead of cafeteria trays. Prior to the tray elimination, UT reduced tray sizes. The reduced tray sizes cut UT's food waste by 30% but still left very large amounts of food that was being thrown away. UT hopes to achieve another 30% or greater food waste reduction by eliminating cafeteria trays.

The Stockholm International Water Institute, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the International Water Management Institute estimate that as much as 30% of total U.S. food is wasted and thrown away. A food dehydrator can be a great tool to dry and preserve meats, fruits and vegetables that might otherwise spoil and go to waste. Don't let fruit over ripen. Don't let meat go bad. Use a food dehydrator to reduce food's water content. Dry food, preserve food and store food for later use and enjoyment.

Food Trends - Eating At Home

According to the market research firm Mintel, the ongoing recession, high unemployment and overall economic malaise is impacting consumer behavior. Consumers are obviously trying to save money where they can and two ongoing trends Mintel identified are: 1) Eight in 10 Americans say they’re cooking at home more now, while 2) 52% admit to spending less at restaurants this year than last.

A food dehydrator is an excellent kitchen appliance to use to save money. On average a food dehydrator costs only about 8 cents per hour to use. A food dehydrator can be used to dry and preserve food allowing it to be stored for long periods of time. Use a dehydrator to dry fruits and vegetables before they spoil thus saving money and eliminating food waste. The Stockholm International Water Institute, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the International Water Management Institute estimate that as much as 30% of U.S. food is wasted and thrown away. Use a food dehydrator instead.

September is Food Safety Education Month

September is the start of Food Safety Education month. According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2009 Food & Health Survey, 52 percent of consumers perceive foodborne illness as the most important food safety issue. Food Safety month encourages consumers to incorporate safe food handling practices into their daily routine. Per Iowa State University, the 5 areas for consumers to focus on are:

1.Purchase Food From Safe Sources
2.Clean and Sanitize
3.Cross Out Cross Contamination
4.Avoid time and temperature abuse – Use a Thermometer
5.Practice personal hygiene – Wash those hands!