[Community_garden] Blackberries, walnuts, blueberries, strawberries, gooseberries, Blazer Russet Potato

[Sharon Gordon]

STORY LEAD:
New Edition of ARS Food & Nutrition Research Briefs Posted on the Web
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ARS News Service
Agricultural Research Service, USDA
Marcia Wood, (301) 504-1662, marcia.wood at ars.usda.gov
October 27, 2006
--View this report online, plus any included photos or other images, at
www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr
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The newest edition of the Agricultural Research Service's online ARS Food &
Nutrition Research Briefs newsletter is now available on the World Wide Web
at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/fnrb1006.htm

The quarterly publication features short, informative highlights of new
scientific findings about nutrition and health, as well as food safety, new
foods and related topics.

Full-color photos illustrate the research, which is conducted by scientists
with, or funded by, the Agricultural Research Service, the U.S. Department
of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency.

Besides being posted on the Web, this specialized publication is available
free of charge via email. Also, those interested in being notified when a
new edition is posted on the Web can request an email alert. To sign up for
any of these services, go to: www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/subscribe.htm

The new issue includes highlights from a variety of research studies around
the nation that have, for example:

* shown that a compound from fresh blackberries helps prevent the spread of
certain kinds of tumors in laboratory mice.

* revealed that walnuts--already shown in some studies to reduce "bad" (LDL)
cholesterol--may have yet another way of enhancing your cardiovascular
health.

* documented that blueberries and strawberries may help slow age-related
decline in learning and memory, if results from tests with laboratory rats
hold true for humans.

* led to the introduction of a delicious new gooseberry called "Jeanne" and
a plump potato called "Blazer Russet."

* suggested that experimental antibrowning washes or dips may keep freshly
sliced apples safe to eat while, at the same time, protecting their
appealing textures, flavors and colors.

* indicated that, since fresh produce--like cilantro--continues to "breathe"
after being harvested, packaging it in a film or wrap that meets the item's
respiratory needs will extend shelf life.
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* This is one of the news reports that ARS Information distributes to
subscribers on weekdays.
* Start, stop or change an e-mail subscription at
www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/subscribe.htm
* NewsService at ars.usda.gov | www.ars.usda.gov/news
* Phone (301) 504-1638 | fax (301) 504-1486