- Author: Chris M. Webb
Our office receives calls from residents with questions about pests found in stored foods. In addition to contaminating food, these pests can cause additional problems. The mouth, throat, and stomach of people may become irritated after eating products contaminated by the warehouse beetle. And some pests have the potential to add microbes that could produce mycotoxins (highly carcinogenic compounds).
Management of these pests once established is possible, but may require substantial effort. To learn how to detect these pest in your home, and perhaps more importantly learn what can be done to prevent their establishment, please see UC IPM’s Pest Note publication Pantry Pests.
Indianmeal moth adult and pupa.
Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.
Adult red flour beetle.
Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.
Adult lesser grain borer.
Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Strawberries are native to temperate regions, including parts of North America. California grows approximately 83% of the nation’s strawberries, with peak production time in our area from April through June.
What to do with all these berries? UC ANR’s publication Strawberries: Safe methods to store, preserve, and enjoy provides wonderful information to safely grow, consume and preserve this tasty fruit:
- Growing strawberries in the home garden
- Selecting strawberries
- Storing fresh strawberries
- Handling safety tips
- Preserving methods
- Frequently asked questions and more
Strawberries. Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Recently released, UC ANR’s Nuts: Safe Methods for Home Gardeners to Harvest, Store, and Enjoy covers the safe handling of almonds, chestnuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts.
This publication is available for free download and includes the following topics:
- Why eat nuts?
- Safe handling
- When to harvest
- Nutrition facts
- Harvesting
- Storage
Walnuts on the ground ready for harvest. Photo by Jack Kelly Clark
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The UC ANR Postharvest Technology Research and Information Center has much information to share for consumers and food producers alike.
One great item available for consumers is the free guide to Storing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Better Taste. This publication can help consumers store fresh fruits and vegetables while preserving freshness and flavor. In addition, guidelines are designed to improve food safety at home. To order your free copy, please click here.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The Ventura County Cooperative Extension office receives many calls about home canning. As home and community garden production continues to increase, so to do these calls.
The National Center for Home Food Preservation is a wonderful resource for home canning and other food preservation methods. The center was established with funding from the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (CSREES-USDA). There is an incredible amount of current research-based information available. At the site you will find:
- How to can food safely at home
- Seasonal tips
- Videos, slide shows, and tutorials
- How to freeze, dry, ferment, pickle, cure & smoke
- Recipes and much more