Health

Watermelons are a Texas favorite throughout the summer months and can be an easy crop to grow in most areas of the state. They are a vining crop that requires a lot of space. For this reason, they are not well suited to small gardens and should be grown only in lot-size gardens in urban areas or larger gardens in rural areas.

Watermelons grow best on a deep, well drained, sandy or sandy loam soil with plenty of organic matter. Since they are a warm season crop they cannot survive a frost. Watermelons are are ready to be harvested when they make a dull sound when thumped, when there is a change in the ground color spot, and when the tendril near the point where the melon is attached to the cine turns brown. For more information on growing watermelons, visit https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/gardening/melons/.

Watermelon is one of the most hydrating fruit you can eat – watermelon is over 90% water! In addition, it is also low in calories while being high in nutrients our bodies need, like potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. Watermelon contains antioxidants that help fight off disease like cancer and may help lower inflammation. Watermelon can be enjoyed many ways, so it is easy to get all of the nutritional goodness watermelon has to offer in your diet. Watermelon is commonly eaten fresh, but can be included salsas, made into sorbets, grilled, and included in refreshing drinks to hydrate you throughout the summer.

Dinner Tonight has many great recipes using watermelon, like Aguas Frescas Watermelon and Lime, Watermelon Salad, Shrimp Tacos with Southwest Watermelon Salsa, Grilled Watermelon, and more! Dinner Tonight also has helpful tips and tricks on how to select the perfect melon and how to wash and store watermelon. Visit, https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/page/2/?s=watermelon. For more recipes using watermelon and other wholesome ingredients, visit https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/.

We have all undoubtedly enjoyed cole slaw at a barbeque or sauerkraut with our favorite German dinners, but when was the last time you gave cabbage a close look? Cabbage is an inexpensive, versatile, tasty and easy to grow vegetable you can enjoy practically year-round. Cabbage is a cole crop and cool season vegetable that can be grown in most areas of Texas and in most home gardens if given the right growing conditions. Cabbage is among the easier cole crops to grow, which is great news for Texas gardeners!

Cole crops do best when planted in full sunlight in sandy loam soils with lots of organic matter.  Most cole crops need 18 to 24 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.  Cabbage can be grown in both spring and fall, but fall planting often is more successful because spring plantings can be hampered by loopers (worms). Cabbage thrives in moist soil and is ready to be harvested when the head becomes firm.For more information on what varieties of cabbage grow well in Texas, best practices in fertilization and planting methods, visit agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/gardening/cole-crops/.

Whether you grow your own cabbage or pick it up from your grocery store, you can enjoy the wide variety of types and uses of the vegetable. Cabbage comes in many colors, including green, red, purple and white. Cabbage can be enjoyed in slaws, in fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut, in salads, soups, stir-fry and more! Cabbage is a rich source of vitamin C, calcium, fiber, vitamin K and folate, along with many other vitamins and minerals. Add this versatile and nutritious vegetable to your meals today!

AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight has great recipes using cabbage, like CabbagE Meatballs, Soba Noodle and Snap Pea Salad, Cranberry Apple Coleslaw and Shrimp and Slaw Street Tacos. For more recipes using cabbage and other wholesome ingredients, visit dinnertonight.tamu.edu/.

Blackberries are a fruit suited for Texas landscapes. Not only are blackberries a southern staple for our favorite summertime desserts, but blackberries are also easy to grow in Texas gardens because they tolerate the hot summer months and bear fruit throughout the spring and early summer. Some new varieties may even bear fruit in the fall, but these have not been thoroughly tested in Texas. Blackberries grow best when planted in well-drained soil. If you are planting blackberries in soil drains slowly, plant the blackberries on raised beds or berms (mounded planting rows), which will enable the soil to dry faster. Harvesting blackberries is unique from other fruits, in that blackberries are harvested by hand rather than by machine in commercial production settings. Blackberries are ready to be harvested when the berries turn from a bright red to a dull dark black color. Blackberries do not continue to ripen after being picked; their flavor is at its peak when harvested at the right time. Blackberries should be refrigerated after harvest to prevent softening.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offers more information on everything from planting and trellising blackberry plants, to fertilizing and marketing blackberries. Find more information at https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/farming/texas-fruit-and-nut-production-blackberries/

Blackberries are a rich source of fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C and manganese, along with many other vitamins and minerals. Because of their high levels of antioxidants, blackberries may aid boosting brain health, and can help control blood sugar because of their low glycemic index. Try to add blackberries to your plate this summer! Blackberries are a sweet addition to a breakfast yogurt parfait or oatmeal bowl, they are great as a snack with a handful of nuts or seeds and can be an exciting addition to anything from jams and jellies to salads and sauces!

AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight has great recipes using blackberries, like Blackberry Chipotle Chicken and Fruit Clafoutis. For more recipes using blackberries and other wholesome ingredients, visit dinnertonight.tamu.edu/.

Almonds are a great source of protein and are an easy way to incorporate healthy fats into your diet! While almonds don’t grow well in Texas, they thrive in the growing conditions of California. California is the leading almond producer in the world, and almonds are the second most valuable commodity for the state after dairy.

Almond trees are similar in appearance to peach trees and are grown in the same way. Almond trees need well drained, fertile soil that is free of weeds. The trees produce a fruit that resembles a peach, and the pit of the fruit is eaten as a nut.

The USDA cites the many benefits of almonds as part of your diet, including vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, and magnesium.

Almonds are a versatile crop that can be included in many different ways at mealtime. Whole almonds can be eaten alongside berries as a filling snack, slivered almonds can be used as a salad topping, and almond butter can be spread on whole grain toast or included in smoothies for a healthy breakfast. AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight has utilized almonds in great recipes like Peanut Butter Chocolate Trail Mix Bites and Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta.

To find more nutritious almond recipes, visit dinnertonight.tamu.edu/.