MAX FACTS
growing tips, news and trivia
Mighty Mandarins
Sweet, juicy mandarin oranges get their flavor from a complex blend of natural chemicals. In ongoing experiments, USDA scientists from the University of California, Riverside, are taking a closer look at how storage
temperatures affect their flavor. Researchers tested the peeled fruit or juice of more than 19,000 fresh,
local mandarins. They found significant increases in three chemicals (ethyl acetate, ethyl propanoate and
ethyl 2-methylpropanoate), which belong to a class known as ethyl esters, within the first 24 hours after the
mandarins were moved from 41-68°F storage temperatures. Significant increases in a fourth ethyl ester,
ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, took place a day later. All four ethyl esters are thought to contribute to a sweet,
fruity aroma, which may have a role in what is perceived as flavor. The team’s ongoing studies might help
pinpoint optimal levels of the four chemicals for future mandarin growers.
(Source: ars.usda.gov)
Hospitals Pilot Fruit and
Veggie Prescriptions
Visits to the farmers’ market could soon replace trips to the
pharmacy for some hospital patients. Elmhurst Hospital is the
latest city hospital in New York to adopt the Wholesome Wave Fruit
and Vegetable Prescription program targeted to overweight or obese children. Doctors write fruit and vegetable “prescriptions” for their young patients. The write-ups are then turned into so-called Health Bucks at certain
greenmarkets. Health and Hospitals Corporation officials said the average prescription translates
into $14 of food for a family of four. “A prescription for healthy food at an affordable price can be
even better than a prescription for medicine,” says Dr. Ram Raju, HHC president. During a pilot
program at Harlem Hospital and Lincoln Medical Center, 40% of enrolled children lowered their
body mass index. The program at Elmhurst aims to reach 400 children and family members.
(Source: nydailynews.com)
Safeguarding Regional Water Quality
Isolated lakes in the Mississippi Delta can be transformed into farmer-friendly landscape features
that trap agricultural pollutants, says the USDA. Researchers set up an experimental wetland
along Mississippi’s Coldwater River in a small stretch of the river cut off from the main channel.
The resulting pool had two distinct sections. One was as deep as a small lake, and the other
was a shallow wetland surrounded by natural vegetation. Small dams were set up at either end.
Researchers added adequate amounts of pesticides to the wetland at the upstream dam. It only
took 24 hours for pesticide concentrations near the upstream weir to drop almost 65%, and at
the downstream dam, only trace amounts of the pesticide were detected. Pesticide concentrations became undetectable at the upstream dam 21 days later. The researchers hope these
types of wetlands can become an effective way to reduce field runoff contaminants.
(Source: ars.usda.gov)
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Maximum Yield USA | December 2014