October – Fresh Picks
go.ncsu.edu/readext?1106409
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲
As the air cools and leaves begin to turn, Eastern North Carolina’s fields are bursting with some of fall’s most beloved flavors. From bright orange pumpkins to earthy sweetpotatoes and crisp leafy greens, October brings cozy flavors to your table. Look for the following seasonal foods at your local grocery store or farmers market!
Sweetpotatoes – Did you know that North Carolina is ranked #1 in the nation for sweetpotatoes? Thanks to our climate and sandy soil in this part of the state, conditions are perfect for growing this fall favorite. In order to get the most health benefit from sweetpotatoes, be sure to eat it with the skin. Fun fact: Sweetpotatoes (Ipomoea batatas) is one word because it is a noun, not an adjective. The one-word spelling was officially adopted by the National Sweetpotato Collaborators in 1989.
Pumpkins – Pumpkins are more than just decorations. Roasting, soups, muffins, oh my! There are hundreds of varieties of pumpkins. We can’t forget that this is the time of year when everything is pumpkin spice flavor. Lean into your love of pumpkin, because they are full of fiber, vitamin A, C, E, and so much more.
Leafy Greens – Lettuce is so easy to grow on your own, and once you get a taste of your own hard work, you’re unlikely to want grocery store greens again! Leafy greens thrive in cool weather, and if you start seeds several weeks apart, you will be able to enjoy fresh greens all season long. When planting lettuce, sprinkle seeds on top of the soil and then give them a spritz of water without covering them with soil. Lettuce is unique to other seeds where they need light to germinate, so covering them with soil will drastically reduce your germination rate.
If you’re feeling up to the challenge, consider starting a mini garden this season. It is a great way to learn where your food comes from and gives you self-confidence. I love when I can go out to my garden and pull some peas from my plants while thinking, “I grew that!” Look for Free Seed Libraries at your local library or extension office to get a free start on your garden.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
After carving a pumpkin, clean the seeds under cold water
Let seeds dry out in a single layer on a pan
Heat oven to 350
Cook for 10 – 20 minutes, until golden brown on the edges. Check often as smaller seeds will cook quickly
Remove seeds from the oven and sprinkle salt and pepper, or your favorite seasoning to taste