“You gotta fight for your right to party.”
January 28, 2011
It looks like the Packers and the Steelers are going to duke it out during the Super Bowl on February 6. Regardless of which team you’re rooting for, every fan has to eat. Last week, we shared a post about how some of our favorite party foods, like guacamole, are at risk due to plant pests and diseases in Florida. With pests and diseases entering the sentinel state of Florida at an alarming rate, it is important for all Floridians to get involved in protecting the state’s food supply. Let’s take a look at a few recipes for game day grub that could be impacted by invasive plant pests and diseases.
7-Layer Dip
With layers of refried beans, guacamole, salsa, lettuce and tomatoes, 7-Layer Dip is always a party favorite. Between the pea leafminer and lettuce mosaic virus, lettuce is closely monitored by DPI to reduce the possibility of spreading pests throughout the state. Tomatoes are a popular fruit among pests and diseases from leaffooted bugs to tomato spotted wilt virus. If you grow your own tomatoes, keep an eye out for potential pests and seek advice from your local county extension office if you suspect a squatter on your plants.
Spicy Guacamole
DPI is an avocado’s advocate in terms of pest and disease prevention. Check out the division’s Save the Guac campaign for more information about the redbay ambrosia beetle and laurel wilt and how they affect trees of the Laurel family, like avocado. Each time you enjoy fresh guacamole, remember you can make a difference in protection avocado production in Florida.
Red and Green Quiche Bites
Florida produces its fair share of peppers. Peppers are currently in season, and make a great fresh addition to quiche. Peppers are threatened by the European pepper moth, a pest of concern at DPI.
Smoky Veggie Quesadillas
Yum! The great state of Florida is home to winter vegetable production. DPI monitors for fruit fly pests, which can also have veggies as hosts. By staying up-to-date with trappings and responding to exotic insect finds, the division helps to protect Florida’s vegetable industry to keep its produce in the grocery store and in your quesadillas.
Curry Cran-Orange Snack Mix Recipe
This dish takes a twist on snack mix. Citrus has been under attack by pests and diseases for many years, and is now faced with canker, greening, black spot and harmful insects. How can you help protect Florida’s infamous citrus industry? Don’t pack a pest, and follow quarantine and shipping regulations to reduce the spread of disease.
Mixed Berry Pizza
A healthier choice than greasy pepperoni, mixed berry pizza is the perfect addition to your game day snack list. It’s berry season in Florida, which means it’s time for DPI to inspect blueberries. Fresh, safe winter fruit is definitely a perk to living in the Sunshine State.
Sensational Campfire S ‘mores
Nothing ends a great day of football and food like a solid fire and warm s ‘mores. If you’re planning to build a fire, make sure to purchase only local firewood. Firewood and other unprocessed wood products can harbor harmful insects like the redbay ambrosia beetle and emerald ash borer. By reducing the movement of wood throughout the state, you can help fight pests and diseases that affect Florida agriculture and the environment.
Simply being aware of pests and diseases affecting agriculture and the environment can make a huge difference in keeping safe, fresh Florida foods on your table. For more information, stop by the DPI website or call the toll-free helpline at 888-397-1517.
Guac goes great with pigskins.
January 19, 2011
No, we don’t mean pork rinds, that is, unless you like them.
For great guac recipes, visit SavetheGuac.com!
While NFL fans are patiently waiting to see which teams will be battling it out in Cowboys Stadium on February 6 for Super Bowl XLV, those planning Super Bowl parties are planning menus for the hunger-inducing game. A popular party favorite is guacamole, especially when it’s made fresh. There’s nothing like the combination of creamy, zesty guacamole, tortilla chips and football.
Fresh Florida avocados are still available in grocery stores, especially in South Florida. Miami-Dade County is home to the heart of Florida’s avocado production. Unfortunately, avocados are not as good at defense as NFL players, and are under attack by a disease threatening to wipe out almost 7,000 acres in production. No avocados = no guacamole. That would put a damper on Super Bowl parties, for sure.
Redbay Ambrosia Beetle on Dime
The redbay ambrosia beetle is a tiny beetle that was first discovered in the United States in Savannah, Ga., and has since been detected just miles from areas of avocado production in South Florida. This beetle is associated with laurel wilt, a disease known to have crippling effects on trees the Laurel family, such as redbay and avocado. Trees that are diseased with laurel wilt initially have drooping foliage with a red or purple discoloration, and the foliage eventually turns brown and may remain on the tree for a year or more. Small tubes of sawdust that protrude from the tree are signs of a redbay ambrosia beetle infestation. You can help stop the spread of laurel wilt by reporting signs of the disease to the DPI Helpline at 888-397-1517.
Laurel Wilt Symptoms
A major avenue for redbay ambrosia beetles to be transported around the state is through the movement of infested firewood. The tiny beetles can go unnoticed in a bundle of firewood, and can easily hitch a ride from one campsite to another. You can help control the spread of invasive pests like the redbay ambrosia beetle by purchasing firewood near your campsite, burning all firewood (or donating it to a fellow camper), purchasing dry wood and reducing the need for firewood by cooking over charcoal or gas. Remember to buy firewood when you reach your destination and burn it all onsite.
Visit the SavetheGuac website to learn more, try out a few recipes and register for a free bumper sticker!
Keep your snack bowls and stomachs full during the Super Bowl. Help Save the Guac!
Visit www.SavetheGuac.com!
Scooped and sliced or served cut “inside-out”, mixed into salsas or smoothies, served in ice cream or fresh off of the tree, mangos are a tasty Florida treasure.
Mango trees are a popular choice for backyard fruit trees in Florida.
Mangos are grown commercially in Florida in Miami-Dade, Lee and Palm Beach counties, but the fruit trees are a common sight in backyards of south Florida residents. Tall evergreen trees provide this flavorful fruit that just beckons you to slice one open over the sink and enjoy. Mangos are called the “king of fruits” for a reason. However, this year some communities in Florida aren’t able to enjoy their mangos like in years past.
This summer marks a battle between the federal and state plant regulatory agencies and the Mediterranean fruit fly, which attacks over 260 host plants in Florida, including our king of fruits, the mango. Representatives from the USDA and the state Division of Plant Industry have been working tirelessly to eradicate wild Mediterranean fruit flies discovered this past June.
The Medfly lays its eggs inside host fruits, ruining and rotting the fruit, and can infest trees to the point that edible fruit isn’t an option. Fortunately, our efforts are proving successful so far, and mangos will hopefully be able to remain “king” in Florida.
We want you to be able to enjoy your mangos every year. Help us help you.
You can find more information on our Web site at http://www.fl-dpi.com.
Since we know you love mangos so much, here are a few recipes to try from our Fresh from Florida chef:
Mango Kugel
Tropical Mango Sorbet
Fresh Strawberry-Mango Milkshake
Mango Enchilada
Mango Upside-Down Cake
Mucho Mango Bread Pudding
Mango Pancakes
Also try these kid-friendly recipes:
Fruit Muffins
Avocado Mango Salsa
