Consumer Q's, 2012 September 27

For Immediate Release September 27, 2012 Contact: Arty Schronce at 404-656-3685
Consumer Q's
Georgia Department of Agriculture Gary W. Black, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW Atlanta, GA 30334
www.agr.georgia.gov Find us on Facebook: Fan Page Follow us on Twitter: @GDAFoodSafety @GrownInGeorgia @GeorgiaDeptofAg
Q: What can you tell me about the Brown Snout variety of apple?
A: `Brown Snout' was discovered in 1850 in England on the farm of Mr. Dent of Yarkhill. It is small, green to greenish-yellow with patches of russet and a brown russet eye at the calyx end of the fruit, hence the name. This 19th century cider apple has high tannins but low acidity. It produces a sweet, slightly astringent juice and makes a mild to medium bittersweet cider.
Brown Snout is not common but is just one of many apple varieties you may find at Georgia orchards or farmers markets this fall. Plan a day trip to a Georgia apple orchard to discover some firsthand. It can be a fun, inexpensive and educational adventure for the whole family. If you want more festivity, the Georgia Apple Festival will be held in Ellijay the weekends of October 13-14 and 20-21.
If you are only familiar with one or two kinds of apples, try a different Georgia Grown variety this year. We grow more than four dozen varieties commercially in the state. Some of the variety names are intriguing, poetically describing the apple or honoring its discoverer or telling of their origin. Other names may make your mouth water. Consider Arkansas Black, Detroit Red, Stayman Winesap, Limbertwig, Ozark Gold, Lady, Cameo, Ginger Gold, Goldrush, Horse, Pritchett Golden, Braeburn, Criterion, Splendor, Swiss Gourmet, Yates, Empire, Albemarle Pippin, McIntosh, Mutsu, Gala, Pristine or Honeycrisp, to name a few grown in Georgia. Find out more at a Georgia apple orchard or farmers market.
Q: I have been told to plant garlic in the fall, but all the catalog suppliers are sold out. Am I out of luck until next year?
A: Visit a farmers market and purchase some there. By purchasing bulbs grown in Georgia, you know they will perform well here in our climate. You may even get some tips from the grower. If you can't find any locally grown garlic, try planting some bulbs you find at the grocery store.

Q. I bought some cockscomb (celosia) seed from an advertiser in the Market Bulletin. It has done splendidly this summer with lots of blooms. How do I dry it for winter bouquets?
A: The oldest and simplest method is to hang the cut cockscomb upside down in a dark, dry storage room, closet or attic. The room should be warmer than temperatures outside and as dark as possible to help the flowers retain their color. Do not use the basement since basements are usually damp. Strip off the leaves and spread paper on the floor to catch any seeds that drop. Some people prefer to hang the flowers upside down in a brown paper bag that will catch the seeds and help block out light. Yarrow, gomphrena, statice and many other flowers retain their shape and color when dried this way. It is a good idea to create bouquets when the flowers are fresh (and more flexible) by bundling the flower stems with a rubber band. As the flowers dry, the rubber band will keep them pulled together.
Q: I have just created a raised garden bed. Is it too late (September) to plant sweet potatoes? What vegetables can I plant in the fall?
A: Sweet potatoes are planted in the spring. Vegetables that can be planted in the fall include radishes, lettuce, cabbage, collards, broccoli, turnip, kale, mustard, garlic, beets, spinach, Swiss chard, onions and carrots. It is also a good time to plant herbs, especially parsley and coriander/cilantro. Check with your local nursery or garden center for seeds or transplants.
If you have questions about services or products regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, visit our website at www.agr.georgia.gov,write us at 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Room 218, Atlanta, GA 30334 or e-mail us at arty.schronce@agr.georgia.gov. To learn more about agricultural issues, get garden tips and find sources for flowers, livestock and other products, consider a subscription to The Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin. Subscriptions for Georgia residents are $5 per year for the online version and $10 for the print version. To start or renew a subscription, send a check or money order payable to Market Bulletin at the address above or subscribe online at our website.
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