The Science on Your Plate: How Research From NC State (And Beyond) Makes Your Holiday Meal Delicious
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Fresh Raw Turkey Ready to be Prepared for Holidays
The holiday season in Henderson County means gathering with family, sharing traditions, and, of course, a fantastic meal. As agents and staff with the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Henderson County Center, we love helping our community connect food and agriculture.
Did you know that the juicy turkey, perfect pie, and flavorful sides on your table are made possible by continuous, USDA-funded research across our nation—including right here in North Carolina?
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) funds projects that put safe, affordable, and nutritious food on your table. Here is a look at the science that makes our traditional holiday feast possible, and how your local Cooperative Extension is part of that process.
The Centerpiece: A Better Bird
For many American families, the turkey is the star. U.S. turkey production is a global leader, and science plays a key role in its quality.
- NIFA-supported research at institutions like West Virginia University and Michigan State University focuses on improving meat quality through better nutrition, management, and addressing thermal challenges during processing. These projects ensure the meat you buy is safe and tastes great.
Local Roots: Research for Your Sides
Here in Western North Carolina, we appreciate the crops that make our region a vibrant agricultural hub. Research is constantly underway to protect and improve these essential holiday ingredients:
- Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes: Research across multiple states is focused on enhancing soil health in potato production systems. For crops like sweet potatoes (a major North Carolina crop) and carrots, NIFA-supported projects work to contain invasive pests, like the guava root knot nematode, that could threaten farmer yields.
- Greens: For those popular holiday greens, University of Georgia researchers, whose work is relevant to the eastern U.S. growing region, are focused on enhancing broccoli production resiliency by mitigating major diseases.
A Taste of North Carolina: Cranberries and Apples
The most direct connection to our state’s agricultural science is often found in the dessert and side dish bowls.
- Berries and Cranberry Sauce: You can thank North Carolina State University (NCSU) researchers for contributing to better fruit quality! NCSU researchers are leveraging genetic and genomic resources to develop superior blueberry and cranberry cultivars. * Apple Pie: Henderson County is known for its exceptional apple production. A Cornell University research project, supported by NIFA, focuses on precision crop load management to help improve yields in U.S. apple production, ensuring plenty of crisp, delicious fruit for your holiday dessert.
Your Local Resource
The research funded by NIFA through programs like the Hatch Act and Specialty Crop Research Initiative flows directly to your community through Cooperative Extension. We translate this complex science into practical advice for your garden, home, and farm.
If you are looking for research-based resources on home gardening, food preservation, or family well-being, we encourage you to contact the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Henderson County Center team.
Source Citation:
This article is adapted from research highlights originally published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2020, December 16). The Science Behind Your Traditional Holiday Meal. USDA Blog.