Journal of Extension’s April Issue Explores Best Practices for Retaining Nutrient and Phytonutrient Levels in Local Produce
Few farmers' market consumers are aware of how to retain optimal nutritional quality of produce following purchase. FCS Field Specialists Dan Remley, Pike County, and Linnette Goard (emeritus), Medina County, plus Program Director Robin Ralston, Research Assistant Morgan Orr, and Associate Professor Christopher Taylor evaluated and developed educational materials intended to inform market consumers about best practices for storing, preserving and consuming local produce to maximize nutrients and phytonutrients.
The study, published in the Journal of Extension, utilized surveys and educational materials from published peer-reviewed and gray literature (materials and research produced by organizations, outside of the traditional commercial or academic publishing and distribution channels).
The team developed educational materials to educate consumers on the best practices for storing, preserving and consuming produce to maximize both health benefits and the use of local produce. In conclusion, the strategies are appropriate for Extension professionals to adopt when developing educational materials for different audiences, and the materials were well received by farmers’ market consumers.