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October 22, 2009

Anonymous The Dalton Daily Citizen Thu Oct 22, 2009, 04:35 PM EDT

Prepared by the Office of Public Affairs

Georgia Department of Agriculture

Tommy Irvin, Commissioner

www.agr.georgia.gov

Q. I have trouble growing French tarragon. Do you have any suggestions?

A. French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa) has a difficult time thriving in Georgia’s heat and humidity. Instead of struggling to grow French tarragon, try Texas tarragon (Tagetes lucida). It can substitute for French tarragon in recipes, is prettier and is much easier to grow in Georgia. Crush one of the leaves and compare it with French tarragon. Texas tarragon is also known as Mexican tarragon and Mexican mint marigold. Texas tarragon is a perennial and bears gold flowers around October. If you visit a nursery or garden center in the fall you may see it for sale next to pansies and other fall flowers. It can be planted in spring, summer or fall. Texas tarragon is certainly one of the prettier plants that can be included in an herb garden. In fact, it is pretty enough to be planted among other flowers and included in bouquets.

Q. I recently read about some recalled “pawpaw” fruits from Australia. Are Australians growing and selling our native pawpaws?

A. No. In September 2009 some Australian “pawpaw” fruits were recalled due to possible salmonella contamination. These were not what we call pawpaws (Asimina triloba); they were what we call papayas (Carica papaya). Although it may be confusing, different plants may be known by the same common name in different places. We do not know of anyone in America or Australia growing and selling our native pawpaw fruits. If you want to taste them, you’ll have to grow them or collect them from the wild yourself.

Q. How many varieties of apples are grown in Georgia?

A. No one knows for sure. It is estimated that about four dozen varieties are grown commercially in the state. This number would be much higher if you include the many varieties grown in home gardens.

Q. What is botulism and how do you get it from eating food? I have seen several food recalls about it.

A. Botulism is a serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Foodborne botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the toxin. Foodborne botulism can be fatal. It is also especially dangerous because many people can be poisoned by eating a contaminated food. Low-acid canned foods are more likely to be contaminated. Proper processing is the best way to prevent the bacteria and the toxin. If you are canning at home, make sure you follow all food safety procedures. If you have a recalled or even a suspect product in your kitchen or on your pantry shelves, throw it out. Any canned food showing bulging or swelling of the container should be discarded. In fact, cans showing bulging should not even be opened, since the toxin can spew out and cause poisoning if it gets into the mouth or eyes or is inhaled. For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/aip/research/bot.html

If you have questions about services or products regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, visit its Web site at www.agr.georgia.gov or write the department at 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Room 227, Atlanta, GA 30334; e-mail to info@agr.state.ga.us or telephone 1-800-282-5852.

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