Research shows that people who prepare and cook meals at home are more likely to eat the recommended fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains needed in a balanced diet. Building skills and cooking knowledge increases the likelihood that people choose to prepare home-cooked meals.

To encourage more home-prepared meals, the Fort Harrod Area Family and Consumer Science Agents hosted the workshop Savor the Flavor as a multi-county leadership lesson for our communities.  The Savor the Flavor lesson on Seasoning with Spices focused on cooking with various spices to season and enhance the flavor of food. Extension developed this program as a way to teach people how to make home-prepared meals that are flavorful and exciting. These common pantry staples are versatile, yet people commonly say they are unsure of the appropriate uses and applications for these items. The goal of this program is to increase knowledge about various types of spices that you can use and learn how to incorporate them into food preparation and cooking. Seventy-five people from Anderson, Boyle, Franklin, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Mercer, Woodford, and Bullitt Counties participated in the workshop held at the Boyle County Cooperative Extension office. Fifty-one people completed the post-evaluation.

Of those surveyed, 94% (n=48) indicated they better understood different types of spices used for cooking. 92% (n=47) reported they had a better understanding of how to blend or pair spices to create different types of seasonings. 90% (n=46) stated they increased their level of understanding regarding ways to incorporate spices into food preparation and cooking. Further, 100% (n=51) expressed the intention to try a new type of spice to prepare or add flavor to foods, while 96% (n=49) expressed the intention to incorporate more spices into cooking to increase home-prepared meals. Finally, 98% (n=50) reported that the program was timely, practical, and educational.

Participants shared they interested in using spices to flavor food and not just salt and pepper. One participant specifically shared, “I will be more confident in my flavoring decisions.”

Program Indicator

Report 51 people against indicator 2062.1 Number of individuals who reported improved knowledge, opinions, skills, or aspirations regarding the safe storage, handling preparation, and/or preservation of food.

Franklin County residents attended the Savor the Flavor workshop in Boyle County.