Words on Wellness

Do You Have an App for That?

     Yes, we do! The Spend Mart. Eat Smart. website is now available as a mobile app! The brand new, FREE mobile app puts healthy-eating and cost-savings tools in the palm of your hand while at the grocery store.

     One helpful feature is “Produce Basics.” How often have you wondered how to pick out the very best produce? With his app, you can make the best produce selection right while shopping. For instance, if you’re trying to choose kiwi, the app tells you the following:

     • Look for one that is plump and gives slightly to pressure.

     • The brown fuzzy skin should appear dry.

     • Avoid kiwi that are squishy or wrinkled.

     Then, when you get the kiwi home, the app is there to tell you:

     • To store the kiwi at room temperature for several days.

     • That it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four weeks.

     Under “Produce Basics,” you can also find information on how to clean the produce and how to prepare it. The kiwi section (spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/produce-item/kiwi-fruit/) even includes a video on how to prepare fruit. Now that’s smart!

Food Safety Tips for Young Children

     As adults, most of us are aware that “double dipping” can spread bacteria when bacteria from saliva on a piece of partially eaten food is dipped a second time. But did you know feeding baby food straight from the jar is another form of “double dipping?” Bacteria from the baby’s mouth can be transferred to the spoon and into the baby food where bacteria can grow. This could result in food poisoning. Infants and young children are at a high risk for foodborne illness because their immune system is not developed enough to fight off infections.

     Instead, spoon baby food from the jar into a separate feeding dish and feed from the new dish. Throw away all uneaten food from the dish. You can refrigerate open jars of baby food that have not come in contact with your baby’s saliva.

     Following are guidelines for saving opened baby food:

     • Strained fruits and vegetables: 2-3 days

     • Strained meats and eggs: 1 day

     • Meat/vegetable combinations: 1-2 days