Turkey Tips

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, it is time to plan your holiday meal. Whether this is your first or fiftieth year in charge of baking the bird, it is always a good idea to read over a few tips for cooking and safety before you get started.

Determining what size turkey you need based on how many you plan to feed is one of the most important parts of planning your Thanksgiving meal. You should plan for 1-1.5 lbs. of turkey per person. If you are nervous about not having enough, plan for the higher end because you can always get creative with leftovers. If you prefer to purchase a fresh turkey, you need to purchase it 1-2 days before cooking and you need to make sure you have a supplier with an availability guarantee. If you purchase a frozen turkey, remember to keep it frozen until you are ready for it to thaw. For food safety reasons, it is recommended that you not purchase a pre-stuffed turkey.

If you are cooking a frozen turkey, remember to include time for your turkey to thaw. For every 5 lbs. of turkey, you will need roughly 24 hours of thaw time. The safest way to thaw a frozen whole turkey is in the refrigerator (set to 40° F). Make sure you place it on the bottom shelf to prevent the spread of bacteria. A refrigerator thawed turkey is good for one to two days before cooking.

If you find yourself short on time, you can thaw your turkey in cold water or in the microwave. To thaw in cold water, allow 30 minutes per pound of turkey. Place the turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag and change the cold tap water every 30 minutes. Do not use hot water to thaw. If you choose to thaw your turkey in the microwave, follow the manufacturer’s defrosting instructions and plan to cook it immediately.

Thawing in the Refrigerator:

• 8 to 12 pounds = 1 to 2 days
• 12 to 16 pounds = 2 to 3 days
• 16 to 20 pounds = 3 to 4 days
• 20 to 24 pounds = 4 to 5 days            

Thawing in Cold Water:

• 8 to 12 pounds = 4 to 6 hours
• 12 to 16 pounds = 6 to 8 hours
• 16 to 20 pounds = 8 to 10 hours
• 20 to 24 pounds = 10 to 12 hours

After thawing, you should remove the bag of giblets and the neck. You do not need to rinse your turkey. Bacteria may be present inside and outside of the turkey and it cannot be washed off. The only way to destroy bacteria is to cook your turkey to at least 165° F. Remember to wash your hands before and after handling your turkey.  

Now that you have your turkey thawed and ready to cook! Oven roasting is one of the most popular and easiest methods of cooking your turkey. With your oven at 325° F, insert an oven-proof meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast or inner thigh, add a ½ cup of water to your pan, and season your meat. Cover your turkey with a lid or aluminum foil tent for the first hour and a half to keep it moist, remove it later for a crispy skin. Recover the turkey when it reaches the desired color.

Oven Time:

• 8 to 12 pounds = 2 3/4 to 3 hours
• 12 to 14 pounds = 3 to 3 3/4 hours
• 14 to 18 pounds = 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours
• 18 to 20 pounds = 4 ½ to 5 hours

When cooking your turkey, temperature is the most important thing to remember. Turkey meat must reach at least 165° F to kill harmful bacteria. Check the temperature in several areas to be safe. Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, thigh (away from the bone), and innermost part of the wing, wait 20 seconds, and check the temperature. If you cook stuffing with your bird (inside or outside), it must also reach 165° F. If you do not have a meat thermometer, swing by the Rains County AgriLife Extension office.

Allow your cooked turkey to rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to reabsorb. Resting your turkey will also make it easier to carve.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours of preparation or one hour if the temperature outside is above 90° F. Properly refrigerated leftovers should be used within three to four days and frozen leftovers should be used within 6 months for best quality.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow RainsCounty AgriLife on Facebook.

Diabetes Awareness

Nearly 40 million Americans currently live with diabetes and every year around 1.2 million more people are diagnosed with diabetes with roughly 1 out of 4 not even realizing they have it. Even more alarming, an estimated 97.6 million youth under the age of 18 are classified as having prediabetes. Discussing various aspects of the disease may provide insight into what diabetes is and how to lower your risk of getting it by living a healthier lifestyle.

Diabetes is diagnosed when higher than normal levels of glucose are circulating in the blood. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, develops from the body’s inability to produce or use insulin correctly. On the other hand, Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile, or childhood-onset) is caused by an autoimmune reaction, making it impossible for the body to create any insulin at all, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 

Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is preventable. Unfortunately, symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are often discreet, making it hard to diagnose the disease. The CDC recommends getting your blood sugar tested if you believe you are at risk for the disease. Those at higher risk typically fall under these categories:

• Overweight or obese
• 45 years or older
• Have a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes
• Physically active less than three times a week
• Had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby that weighed more than nine pounds
• African American, Hispanic, American Indian, or Alaska Native

Managing eating habits and living a healthy lifestyle can both aid in the prevention of diabetes and help those currently diagnosed with the disease. Effective diabetes self-management includes healthy eating, regular exercise, weight management, tobacco cessation, monitoring blood glucose, medication adherence, and getting support. 

The Harvard School of Public Healthy recommends following these key steps when it comes to diabetes self-management and prevention:

• Control your weight - being overweight makes you 7 times more likely to develop diabetes than someone with a healthy weight.
• Get moving – stay physically active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day; working your muscles more often improves their ability to use insulin and absorb glucose. 
• Tune up your diet -
• Choose whole grains over highly processed carbohydrates.
• Skip the sugary drinks, and choose water, coffee, or tea instead.
• Choose good fats instead of bad fats, such as polyunsaturated fats found in liquid vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds.
• Limit red meat and avoid processed meat - choose nuts, whole grains, poultry, or fish instead.
• If you smoke, try to quit - smokers are 50% more likely to develop diabetes than nonsmokers.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Prairie Lakes Healthcare System

October is Health Literacy Month

Health literacy is an essential skill that impacts nearly every aspect of our well-being. From understanding a doctor's instructions to navigating the healthcare system and making informed choices about treatment options, health literacy plays a crucial role in maintaining good health and managing illnesses. But what exactly is health literacy, and why is it so important?

Health literacy refers to the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. It involves more than just reading medical brochures or following a prescription label; it encompasses the capacity to communicate, assess risks and benefits, and make informed choices about personal health and the health of others.

In simpler terms, it is about how well people can find, understand, and use health-related information to improve their own health and make educated decisions. Health literacy is not just about individuals, it also involves how well healthcare providers, systems, and organizations communicate information in a way that is understandable and accessible.

Health literacy is important because it directly affects the quality of healthcare outcomes. People with lower health literacy often struggle to navigate the healthcare system, understand medical instructions, and manage chronic conditions. This can lead to misdiagnosis, unnecessary hospitalizations, incorrect medication usage, and poor health outcomes. Health literacy matters because:

• Improved Communication with Healthcare Providers: Patients who are health literate are better equipped to understand medical instructions, ask the right questions, and communicate their concerns more effectively. This leads to better care and stronger doctor-patient relationships.
• Better Management of Chronic Diseases: Many chronic diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension, require careful self-management, including medication adherence, diet, and lifestyle changes. Health literacy enables patients to make informed choices that prevent complications and improve their quality of life.
• Informed Decision-Making: Health literacy empowers people to weigh the risks and benefits of different treatment options, allowing them to make choices that align with their values and preferences. This becomes particularly important when dealing with complex medical issues or when undergoing significant procedures.
• Prevention and Wellness: A person with high health literacy is more likely to engage in preventive health measures like vaccinations, regular screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices. This helps reduce the risk of disease and promotes overall well-being.
• Reduction of Healthcare Costs: When people understand how to manage their health, it leads to fewer emergency room visits and hospital admissions, lowering overall healthcare costs. Inadequate health literacy can result in preventable health issues and higher expenditures for both individuals and healthcare systems.

Health literacy is influenced by a variety of factors, including:

• Education Level: While education plays a role, even highly educated individuals can struggle with health literacy, especially when faced with complex medical jargon.
• Language and Culture: Non-native speakers or those from different cultural backgrounds may face additional barriers in understanding health-related information, particularly when healthcare providers fail to take these factors into account.
• Cognitive and Physical Abilities: Individuals with disabilities, learning difficulties, or mental health conditions may encounter more obstacles when accessing and interpreting health information.
• Healthcare System Complexity: The more complex the healthcare system is, the harder it is for people to navigate. Administrative barriers, complicated insurance rules, and medical terminology can hinder comprehension.

While health literacy is a challenge, there are many ways to improve it. Healthcare providers should aim to communicate in clear, easy-to-understand language. Using everyday words instead of medical jargon can help patients understand their conditions and treatment options. They should also provide clear and comprehensive health educational materials, including visual aids and interactive tools, which can enhance understanding. 

Healthcare providers should aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification is key. Lastly, health literacy programs in schools, community centers, and workplaces can equip individuals with the skills they need to manage their health. These programs often focus on teaching people how to access and evaluate reliable health information.

Health literacy is a cornerstone of good health, yet it is often overlooked. By improving health literacy, we can empower individuals to take charge of their health, make better decisions, and reduce healthcare costs. It is not just about reading medical information; it’s about understanding it, applying it, and using it to lead healthier, more informed lives. Everyone, from patients to healthcare providers, plays a role in fostering an environment where health literacy can thrive.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.

Kids Kitchen Skills

If I had a dollar for every time my kids asked me what we were eating for dinner, well, I would be off on an island somewhere enjoying my millions of dollars and not writing this article. But since that does not seem to be in my cards, it is probably best to figure out a way that question doesn’t make me lose my mind! Meal planning and preparation is one of the most important life skills you can instill in your children and grandchildren. Plus, if they are comfortable in the kitchen, maybe I will hear that question a few less times. 

Food makes us feel comfortable and safe; we plan major events and family gatherings around food. So, it is not hard to see why many people see food as a love language. Engaging your children in family mealtime helps create close bonds, teaches your children about healthy eating, and teaches them about kitchen safety. Preparing meals and cooking together not only builds excitement but starts daily conversations. 

Engage your children in preparing meals with easy skills that will last a lifetime. Start with basic skills appropriate for their age and interest.  

• For younger children, ages 2-5, make basic tasks seem important, especially since their attention span is shorter. Try tasks such as washing produce, stirring batter or dressings, measuring, pouring liquid, and cutting soft foods with a plastic knife.
• Children 6-8 years old are always eager to help. You can practice their reading, by reading recipes together and practice simple math when measuring foods. Children in this age group can help peel fruits and vegetables, use small gadgets like a can opener, collect ingredients to make a recipe (scavenger hunt), and help decorate desserts.  
• Older children, from 9-12 years old, can provide more assistance in preparing meals.  Basic knife skills and food safety, as well as knowing how to use appliances, should be easy for this age group. Children can help trim and slice foods, use a blender or standing mixer and sauté foods in a skillet. 
• Teenage children, from ages 13-16, can be your personal sous chefs. Planning and preparing some easy meals should be an easy task for them. Using knife skills, such as chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing can be completed with adult supervision. Following a recipe from beginning to end encourages independence and accomplishment. Learning how to grill on an outdoor grill can also be a new task to research and learn.    

Encouraging your children to help in the kitchen fosters life skills while also building a connection with them. It is important to always have an adult present in the kitchen, regardless of age, to keep everyone safe. Also, remember to follow good food safety practices to prevent cross contamination. You can learn more about food safety, cooking tips and tricks, and healthy recipes at https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.

Common Tomato Issues

One of the best parts of summer in Texas is eating a homegrown tomato. However, eating them and growing them often resemble a love hate relationship. Throughout the summer, you face the constant threat of insects, diseases, heat, or drought ruining your garden. If you are lucky enough to have perfect growing conditions, be thankful, but if you are like most of us, conditions are rarely perfect. If you have ever wondered what is causing your tomatoes to crack, this article is for you. 

Splitting and Cracking. Heavy rain, especially after a dry spell, is the main cause of fruit splitting and cracking. This damage usually occurs as tomatoes ripen, though green fruits can be affected too.

Radial Cracking.

Photo Credit: NC Cooperative Extension

Cracks and splits occur when rapid changes in soil moisture cause the fruit to expand faster than the skin can grow. There are two main patterns of this damage, vertical and circular. Vertical splits along the sides of the fruits, known as radial cracking, are the most serious and common in hot, humid weather. Circular cracks around the stem end are called concentric cracking. Green tomatoes with either type of cracking will likely rot before they ripen if left on the vine.

Concentric Cracking.
Photo Credit: NC Cooperative Extension

For both radial and concentric cracking, it is best to harvest the fruit immediately before it can begin to rot. Tomatoes with cracks are still edible and can finish ripening indoors. However, any fruit that develops a sour smell or starts to ooze should be composted or discarded. Keep in mind, fruit that ripens off the vine or during cloudy, rainy weather will be less flavorful than those that mature fully in sunny conditions.

Blossom End Rot.
Photo Credit: UC IPM Project

Blossom End Rot. Fluctuations in soil moisture levels are also the most common cause of blossom end rot, a disorder where insufficient calcium in developing fruit causes the lower end to turn tan or black. Other causes include extreme temperatures, over-fertilization, and low soil pH. If your tomatoes develop blossom end rot, remove and compost them as they will not ripen normally. If you would like to know more about your soil conditions, contact the Rains County Extension office for information on soil testing. 

Leaf Rolling. 
Photo credit: AgriLife Today

Leaf Rolling. Tomato leaves can curl for several reasons, including wet weather. Leaf curling due to wet conditions is not serious and won't damage the plants or reduce yields. Some varieties are more prone to this than others. When excessive moisture causes leaf curling, leaves curl upward from the bottom of the plant first. These leaves may take on a leathery appearance but remain green and healthy.

The best way to minimize fruit cracking, blossom end rot, and leaf curling in tomatoes is to maintain even soil moisture levels by watering during droughts. Most vegetables need about one inch of water per week. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems are the best methods as they apply water directly to the soil, reducing evaporation and keeping plant leaves dry, which helps prevent leaf diseases. Mulching your vegetable garden also helps keep the soil evenly moist and reduces moisture-related problems.

Rainy weather and wet soil can also lead to wilt diseases and leaf diseases like early blight. If you suspect your tomatoes have a disease or insect problem, get an accurate diagnosis before taking any action. Contact the Rains County Extension office for assistance.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.