Skip to main content

Share

Science in Your Shopping Cart - The Podcast

Did you know that the popular Roma tomato was actually developed by ARS scientists in Beltsville, MD? Or that ARS technology has helped reduce the use of pesticides on apples and other fruits? Or that ARS researchers are turning waste after harvest into fuels and other products? Check out our new podcast series, Science in Your Shopping Cart, and learn how science touches many of the products we buy at the grocery store, from new varieties of fruits and vegetables to technological advances that make our food safer, cheaper, and tastier.

Listen to the Latest Podcast

Season 6: Aquaculture

In this edition of Science in Your Shopping Cart, we take a deep dive in to seafood production in the U.S. Learn how research facilities across the country are developing new fish farming techniques, new strains of fish, are keeping fish healthy, and creating more sustainable methods for raising finfish and shellfish.


 

Usdacrab image

Season 6: Aquaculture
Episode 8: East Coast Shellfish Represent!

An East Coast perspective on how important shellfish are to our agriculture ecosystem and how their sustainability and low environmental impact makes the shellfish market the wave of the future.

 

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

 

Season 1: Spinach, potatoes and tomatoes. What do they have in common?

Season 1: Spinach, Tomatoes and Potatoes: What Do They All Have in Common?

We know that all three are vegetables, or two vegetables and a fruit if you will, but would you be surprised to find out that ARS researchers developed its own varieties of tomatoes, potatoes, and spinach?

Take a virtual trip with us to Italy, Idaho, and California and learn about the Roma tomato, red spinach and Huckleberry Gold potato.

 

Listen now on: (14 min. 18 sec.) Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, mp3, and more.

Don't have time to listen to the entire podcast? Explore the individual segments below.

 

Roma tomatoes

Season 1: Spinach, Tomatoes, & Potatoes
Episode 1: Tomatoes

Where was the Roma tomato developed? Rome? Nope, the answer may surprise you. Learn this and more interesting facts about the Roma tomato.

 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Season 1: Spinach, Tomatoes, & Potatoes 
Episode 2: Potatoes

"I'm your huckleberry." Learn about the origins of the Huckleberry Gold potato and other interesting facts about potatoes.

 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

D4224 1Spinach image

Season 1: Spinach, Tomatoes, & Potatoes
Episode 3: Spinach

Making Popeye proud. ARS recently released the world's first true red spinach, called USDA Red. Learn about the benefits this new powerful vegetable provides to consumers.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:


 

Season 2: Get Crunching

Season 2: Apples: Get Crunchin'

Apples are as American as apple pie. Let's look at some cool innovations and research that ARS scientists are conducting to ensure those apples in your shopping cart are fresh, tasty, cost-friendly, and high quality.

Listen now on: (14 min. 18 sec.) Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, mp3, and more.

Don't have time to listen to the entire podcast? Explore the individual segments below.

 

 

Scientist looking at apples in an orchard

Season 2: Apples: Get Crunchin' 
Episode 1: Apple Rootstocks

Did you know that the apple you're eating right now probably came from a rootstock developed by ARS? Our scientists are breeding new rootstocks that are more resistant to pests and diseases, that bear more delicious fruit, and are more ideal for apple growers to pick and prune.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

Scientists using an apple sorting machine

 

Season 2: Apples: Get Crunchin' 
Episode 2: Apple Sorting Machine

ARS researchers have developed an in-field apple sorting machine that not only improves apple picking efficiency, but also scans and grades apples. Think of it as a 21st century solution to apple picking and harvesting.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Sprayer machine in apple orchard

Season 2: Apples: Get Crunchin' 
Episode 3: Precision Sprayer

ARS researchers have developed an in-field apple sorting machine that not only improves apple picking efficiency, but also scans and grades apples. Think of it as a 21st century solution to apple picking and harvesting.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Applesnackbreak image

Season 2: Apples: Get Crunchin' 
Episode 4: Snack Break

Ready for a snack break? Then sink your teeth into this apple trivia. You'll finally be able to answer the question, "What does a 200-year old apple tree and a train have in common?"

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

 

Apple orchard

Season 2: Apples: Get Crunchin'
Episode 5: Mysterious Disease

Apple growers have a mystery on their hands. Something is killing popular dwarf apple trees, but researchers are unsure if the cause is environmental, viral, soil-based, or something else. ARS scientists are on the case!

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Season 2: Apples: Get Crunchin'
Episode 6: Rapid Breeding

The apple industry is a highly impactful business for the U.S. Growers are always looking for new varieties that are not only tasty but more resistant to disease outbreaks and environmental stressors that can severely reduce apple production. However, developing new varieties can take decades before they appear in your grocery market. ARS researchers have developed rapid breeding techniques to drastically speed up the process, bringing those new varieties of apples to your shopping cart much sooner than before.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

Season 3 Biomass

Season 3: Biomass

Learn about innovations and research that ARS scientists are conducting to turn farm waste, called biomass, into environmentally friendly products.

Listen now on: (19 min. 22 sec.) Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio,  Spotify, YouTube, mp3, and more.

Don't have time to listen to the entire podcast? Explore the individual segments below.

 

Almond image

 

Season 3: Biomass 
Episode 1: Pallets From Almond Shells

Learn about innovations and research that ARS scientists are conducting to turn farm waste, called biomass, into environmentally friendly products.

Did you know that ARS researchers in Albany, California, have created pallets out of biomass, specifically, discarded, low value almond and walnut shells? Listen to our podcast to learn more.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:


 

Cotton trash

Season 3: Biomass 
Episode 2: Polymers Out of Cotton Gin Trash

ARS is helping the environment by developing biodegradable plastics comprised of biomass, in this case cotton gin trash.  

Read more:

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

 

Season 3 Biomass Episode 3 Breaktime

Season 3: Biomass 
Episode 3: Breaktime

Before we get to our next biomass story, let's take a break and look at other ARS discoveries that could benefit our ecosystem.

Read more:

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.
 

 

Biomass image

Season 3: Biomass 
Episode 4: Bioproducts From Corn Waste

 

Corn is used to produce many products resulting in millions of pounds of waste but even byproducts of corn can be turned into bioproducts.

Read more:

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Season 4 Berriers

Season 4: Berries

Love eating berries? Berries are healthy and nutritional powerhouses that taste delicious whether fresh, frozen, dried, or processed. Did you know there is a very good chance that some of the berries you eat can be traced back to varieties developed by ARS scientists?

In this five part podcast series, "Berries", we'll explore four types of berries, "blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries" and ARS's role in developing new varieties.

Listen now on: (23min. 43sec.) Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio,  Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Don't have time to listen to the entire podcast? Explore the individual segments below. 

 

Season 4: Berries
Episode 1: Blueberries

Learn how a USDA breeding program was responsible for the development of the blueberry growing industry in the southeastern United States and how ARS scientists have developed and are continuing to work with farmers to create new cultivars of blueberries that we all get to enjoy. 

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

 

Season 4: Berries
Episode 2: Blackberries and Raspberries

ARS scientists created a thornless blackberry plant along with many new varieties of blackberries for the agricultural industry and a trellis system designed to protect and help pickers harvest blackberries. ARS scientists are also working with the individually quick-frozen industry to pack the great taste of raspberries into your cool treats.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Season 4: Berries
Episode 3: Break Time

Thinking about growing berries at home? Check out the podcast to learn what types of nutritious, sweet-tasting berries you can plant in your own backyard.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

 

Strawberries growing on a vine

 

Season 4: Berries
Episode 4: Strawberries

Check out the 'Keepsake' strawberry which resulted from research efforts to develop strawberries with improved shelf life and learn how new strawberry cultivars are created.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

 

 

Season 5 Wonder Plants

Season 5: Wonder Plants

In this season of Science in Your Shopping Cart we take a tour of some superhuman plants that we use in our everyday lives to help feed and protect us.  Listen to all 7 episodes back-to-back.

Listen now on: (43min. 37sec.) Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Don't have time to listen to the entire podcast? Explore the individual segments below.  

 

Azeleas and green shrubs at the U.S. National Arboretum

 

Season 5: Wonder Plants
Episode 1: U.S. National Arboretum

Check out some of these amazing wonder plants at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Plasticcontainers image

Season 5: Wonder Plants
Episode 2: One Time Use Containers

Plastic containers are everywhere. Products like toothpaste, shampoo, condiments, carryout containers, and even water nearly always come in packaging that we use once then throw away and can last hundreds of years in a landfill. ARS scientists are turning plant fibers in to single-use containers to one day replace non-biodegradable plastic containers.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Guayule image

Season 5: Wonder Plants
Episode 3: Taking the Guayule Plant for a Test Drive

Rubber is a substance usually made from petroleum or from the Asian rubber tree plant. But rubber can also be produced from a plant called guayule. Learn about this amazing desert loving plant and how it's used in a 100% guayule tire!

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Cotton bolls

Season 5: Wonder Plants
Part 4: Super Cotton

ARS scientists are turning nano fibers from cotton plants into mask filters, wound dressings, and other medical applications.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Aedes aegypti mosquito

Season 5: Wonder Plants
Part 5: DYK Insect Repellants

Did you know that some wonderplants can be used to control and even kill annoying flies and mosquitoes?

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Almond image

Season 5: Wonder Plants
Part 6: From Shells to Cells

ARS scientists are coming up with new ways to produce clean energy by developing a large filter-type application out of discarded almond shells that could capture and then store hydrogen, as well as other components for energy purposes.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Soybeans

Season 5: Wonder Plants
Episode 7: Soybeans

This week we learn about another amazing Wonder Plant, soybeans! Did you know that soy has a wide array of uses, including non-food uses? Discover some of the newest uses of this amazing Wonder Plant.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

 

Season 6 aquaculture

Season 6: Aquaculture

In this edition of Science in Your Shopping Cart, we take a deep dive in to seafood production in the U.S. Learn how research facilities across the country are developing new fish farming techniques, new strains of fish, are keeping fish healthy, and creating more sustainable methods for raising finfish and shellfish.

 

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

A net full of catfish

 

Season 6: Aquaculture
Episode 1: Bringing Seafood Closer to Home

Aquaculture, commonly known as fish farming, is a global multi-billion dollar industry, and is one of the fastest growing forms of food production. Unfortunately, most fish farming occurs overseas. ARS is helping the U.S. aquaculture industry provide more locally sourced seafood, including oysters, trout, salmon, catfish, and new varieties. In fact, you may soon be able to purchase seafood that was farm raised in your own city or town.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

 

Pt2rainbowtroutd3911 1 image

Season 6: Aquaculture
Episode 2: The Fastest Growing Fish You’ve Ever Seen

Fish farmers are using natural contained aquifers to grow fish to market size at an incredible fast rate. That’s because aquifers can provide optimal conditions for fish rearing. Unfortunately, you can’t scale-up aquifers. ARS researchers are working with fish farmers to develop and implement best management practices to increase fish yields, health, and size of fish reared in aquifers.

 

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

Pt3farmfishingd1955 2 image

Season 6: Aquaculture
Episode 3: Farm Fishing Indoors

When you grow anything indoors, you can control a lot of the conditions, including temperature, irrigation, insect and disease resistance, and water quality and consumption. ARS researchers are using indoor recirculating systems to improve the health and yields of rainbow trout while maintaining great taste and market size.

Read more:

 

Pt4atlanticsalmond1376 1 image

Season 6: Aquaculture
Episode 4: Taking on Atlantic Salmon’s Biggest Foe

Sea lice is a huge problem in the seafood business. Not only does sea lice cause physical harm, but it can also stress the fish out, which can then affect their growth rate and ability to fight off other diseases. I mean, how would you like a blood sucker attached to your skin all the time? There currently are no vaccines or effective treatments for sea lice. However, ARS researchers are working to develop an Atlantic salmon strain that is resistant to sea lice.

Read more:

 

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.


 

 

Season 6: Aquaculture
Episode 5: Aquaculture Trivia

Test your knowledge of aquaculture and learn some interesting facts.

 

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

   

 

Season 6: Aquaculture
 

Pt3indoord1162 12 image

Episode 6: Water Conservation in Indoor Systems

Take a tour of an indoor recirculating system in Shepherdstown, West Virginia and learn how ARS researchers are using less fresh water while keeping optimal performance for fish rearing.

 

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

 

Season 6: Aquaculture
Episode 7: How Do You Fight Fish Disease?

Vaccined1938 1 image

A healthy fish is a happy fish! ARS researchers are fighting fish diseases by developing vaccines, breeding fish strains that are resistant to select diseases, and providing guidance to the industry of best practices for keeping their fish healthy.

 

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

Read more:

 

To learn even more, check out our "Science in Your Shopping Cart" factsheets to discover more ARS research sitting in your shopping cart!

 

Topic

Sights and Sounds
Scale on a crapemyrtle tree
Photos courtesy of Starker Wright

Scientific Name: Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana)

Common Name: Crapemyrtle bark scale

Friend or Pest (or both):  Pest.

Region and Diet? This insect is native to East Asia and feeds on the sap of the vividly colorful crapemyrtle trees, as well as apple and blackberry plants.

Impact on agriculture? Crapemyrtle bark scale is an introduced pest that feeds on crapemyrtles, ornamental flowering trees that are prized for their beauty. First detected in North America in Texas in 2004, this pest has spread patchily across the southeastern United States and has moved north into the Mid-Atlantic area. Infestation of these trees and bushes can result in branch dieback, stunted growth, and reduction in the size and abundance of its flowers.

Read more in First Record of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale From Pennsylvania. 

 

 

Topic

Insects

Take the Vitamin - Mineral Challenge

Our bodies are machines that require vitamins and minerals to function and stay healthy throughout our lifetime. Each nutrient plays a critical role in our healthy wellbeing, such as iron for growth and development, potassium for proper function of muscles and nerves, Vitamin A for immune response and organ health, and Vitamin D for bone growth.

It's important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy (or dairy substitute) foods to ensure your body is getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals. USDA has identified calcium, potassium, dietary fiber, and Vitamin D as dietary components that the general public does not get enough of.

About the Experiment

How do you know if you are getting enough vitamins and minerals? To find out, take the Vitamin-Mineral challenge! It's easy, it can be life changing, and you'll probably be surprised at the results. 

Details

  • Ages: 14 - 18
  • Time: 30 minutes a day for 3 days
  • Difficulty: Easy

 What You'll Need

  • Laptop or smartphone with internet service
  • Pencil and paper or a logsheet (see appendix A)
  • Calculator

Let's Do This!

An example "Cup of Fruit Table" showing the amount that counts as 1 cup of fruit for apples, applesauce, bananas, blueberries and cantaloupe.

For 3 days, keep track of what you eat and drink for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks.

  1. Log your food intake either using a nutrition data app or on the logsheets provided in this challenge, and try to be as specific as possible, including the brand name of the food (ex: Life cereal) or specific type of fruit, vegetable, or protein (ex: Gala apple).
  2. Try to also include the quantity that you eat, using the serving size on the packaging as a guide. For fruits, log onto https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/fruits and check out the fruit table on the page.
  3. Same for vegetables, proteins, and grains.

Option 1: Using FoodData Central and the Logsheets

Photo of the search bar on the "FoodData Central" website

Once your food types and quantity are logged onto your sheet, use the nutritional label on the food containers to determine the nutritional content of each food item eaten. For grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and other items without a nutritional label, visit USDA's FoodData Central at https://fdc.nal.usda. gov/index.html

In the search bar, type in the food item and try to be specific at first. If the search results do not align with what you ate, be a little more general. 

Fooddatacentralsearch image

On the results page you will see several options: Most items, including fruits, vegetables, and proteins, are typically found under "SR Legacy Foods" or "Branded Foods". Choose the selection that fits best.

Now it's time to do a little math. Use the portion dropdown to best align with the amount of that particular food that you ate. For example, if you ate 200 grams of a corn muffin, and the portion dropdown is set at 100 grams, you'll want to double the nutritional content when logging it down on your spreadsheet. If you ate a quarter of the portion, then divide the nutritional content by 25 (percent).

Read through the nutritional content (either from the food container or FoodData Central) and log the amount of the following:

  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Potassium
  • Vitamin A (mg)*
  • Vitamin C (mg)
  • Vitamin D (mg)*
  • Vitamin E (mg)
  • Zinc
  • * If you are using the FoodData Central search, use the RAE UG metric for Vitamin A and the D2+D3 UG metric for Vitamin D.

For a list of health benefits for each vitamin and mineral above, click here. Remember to log these amounts based on the portions you ate. If you cannot find exactly what you ate, try to get as close as you can.

 

Option 2: Using A Nutrition Data App

There are many Apps on the market that can calculate and log your daily food intake. When choosing an App, make sure it contains a large inventory of foods and can determine and log portion size. For each food item, you will want to enter the food item and portion consumed. If you cannot find an App to accomplish this, use the FoodData Central method (Option 1).

Read through the nutritional content (either from the food container or FoodData Central) and log the amount of the items below.

  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Potassium
  • Vitamin A (mg)*
  • Vitamin C (mg)
  • Vitamin D (mg)*
  • Vitamin E (mg)
  • Zinc
  • * If you are using the FoodData Central search, use the RAE UG metric for Vitamin A and the D2+D3 UG metric for Vitamin D.

Remember to log these amounts based on the portions you ate.

 

Are You Getting Enough Vitamins and Minerals?

A screenshot of the DRI calculator for healthcare professionals

 

Now that your chart is complete, let's see how it compares to USDA's recommended nutrient consumption. Log onto USDA's Interactive DRI Tool for Health Professionals. Fill out the required data about yourself and click Submit.

Scroll down to view the recommended intake per day for the 8 vitamins and minerals you tracked. Compare with your logsheet (or on your App) and notate which items you met the recommended guidelines and which you did not.

 

 

 

What Did You Learn?

  1. Observe your logsheets, paying particular attention to where you met and did not meet your recommended guidelines.
  2. Which foods are rich in vitamins and minerals?
  3. Which foods lack the vitamins and minerals you need?
  4. In what areas did you meet the recommendations?
  5. Which vitamins and minerals do you need more of, and which foods can help you reach your goals?
  6. After taking this challenge, should you alter your daily/weekly food intake, and if so, what food changes should you make?
  7. What are your big takeaways from this challenge?

Resources

For more information on eating healthy, making a plan and exploring MyPlate, visit https://www.myplate.gov.

 

Topic

Projects

Predicting Salmonella Outbreaks Before They Occur

There are over one million cases of Salmonella and thousands of hospitalizations from this foodborne illness in the U.S. every year. The cause for most of these cases is consumption of contaminated food, such as undercooked or raw meat, poultry, eggs, or dairy. To help combat this issue, ARS scientists in Athens, GA, developed a series of algorithms capable of effectively predicting the prevalence of Salmonella. These algorithms will allow farmers and food inspectors to identify where in the supply chain Salmonella contamination is likely to occur so appropriate measures can be taken.

Read Fighting Foodborne Illness to learn more.



 

Topic

Food Safety

USDA-ARS employees are strongly encouraged to participate in STEM outreach opportunities aimed at increasing literacy in science, technology, engineering and math for students of all ages, especially among members of underrepresented populations.  ARS's Outreach and Recruitment Branch coordinates a number of these outreach activities with neighboring schools and communities.

Recent Events

Beeboxcard image
Pollinator Health Event

The ARS Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystems Research Unit in Stoneville, MS recently set up a new apiary!

Learn more
ARS researcher talking to students
Expedition Colorado

ARS Soil Management and Sugar Beet Research Unit staff participated in Expedition Colorado, an annual field trip to teach students about natural resources and conservation practices.

Learn more
Nadccard image
National Animal Disease Center

Students from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences visited ARS's National Animal Disease Center

Learn more

Topic

The Future Is Now

National Animal Disease Center Hosts Chicago High School

Students from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences visited ARS's National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa. ARS scientist Mark Ackermann provided students with hands-on labs that covered reading x-rays, spinning blood samples, and examining the internal anatomy of pigs. The visit was part of ARS's Three Sisters Project an educational outreach effort to ensure a steady pipeline of fresh ideas, talent and diversity to the ranks of tomorrow's scientists, and other professionals.

Slideshow
Chicagohighschool1 image
Chicagohighschool2 image
Chicagohighschool3 image

Topic

The Future Is Now

Can Seaweed Mitigate Climate Change? Yep!

According to NASA, belches from cattle, sheep, goats, and other ruminant animals have a climate change problem. Ruminants have digestive systems that ferment the cellulose in the rough vegetation they eat, making it easier to digest. The problem is methane gas is a byproduct of fermentation and the animals release it when they belch.

According to the EPA, methane accounts for about 10% of U.S. greenhouse emissions – and enteric (intestinal) fermentation accounts for about 27% of that.

ARS scientists are turning to bromoform, a compound in seaweed, that may reduce enteric methane emission by as much as 82% when fed to ruminants as a small portion of their diet. Expanding this nutritional supplement nationwide, and perhaps globally, could markedly reduce methane emissions, and that’s something worth boasting, not belching, about.

To learn more read "Happy Earth Day! Scientists Working to Reduce Methane Emissions"

Topic

Animals

Keep Your Eyes on the Fries

A boy eating French fries

Next time you go to McDonald's, there's a good chance you'll be eating an ARS-developed French fry. ARS scientists released two varieties of potatoes—'Clearwater Russet' and 'Blazer Russet'—used by McDonald's for French fries. The company has a high bar for its potatoes, having accepted only seven varieties to use in its fries over the years.

Potatoes are highly perishable, and the crop must be consumed, processed, or stored cold immediately after harvest. However, ARS potato breeders were able to release new potato varieties resistant to problems that develop during storage and to internal heat necrosis.

Sink your teeth into this research with "You Want Fries With That?"

 

Topic

Learn and Explore

Composting, a process that speeds up natural decomposition, is becoming ever increasingly popular, both on the farms and at home. Composting provides a great way to keep food scraps and yard waste out of landfills and it has a variety of benefits when added to soil to help plants grow.

Download this factsheet to learn how to compost and why.

Topic

Learn and Explore

Feeding the Antibiotics Debate

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a hot-button issue when it comes to food safety. According to the World Health Organization, AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to modern medicines, including antibiotics – which are designed to fight bacterial infections. AMR can make infections in humans and animals that are harder to treat and increase the risk of disease and illness. In agriculture, antibiotics may be given to cattle and other livestock to fight infections and keep the animals healthy. However, there are concerns that the use of antibiotics in agricultural settings may lead to AMR that affects people. ARS scientists researched whether raising beef cattle without antibiotics would reduce AMR levels, compared to health practices using antibiotics. The results may surprise you.

Check out Science Shows Less Can Equal More and watch the video to find out what they learned.



Topic

Food Safety
Subscribe to