It took me many years and many tries to make some good ribs. Sometimes I make a dry rub for them, and sometimes I use a wet marinade. This time, it was dry rub time.

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This week on Food Nation Radio Network, we talked with Dr. David Gang from Washington State University about an alternative to modifying our beloved citrus crops.

Here’s what he had to say: 

From Dr. David Gang’s bio page: Plants produce an amazing diversity of small molecular weight compounds. While the chemical structures of close to 50,000 of them have already been elucidated, the total number of such compounds is probably in the hundreds of thousands to millions. Only a small number of these are part of what have been termed “primary” metabolic pathways; the rest of these molecules are called “secondary” metabolites, also known as specialized metabolites or natural products. The vast majority of these compounds are not found in the standard crop plants of the Western world, nor in standard laboratory model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago trunculata. These compounds are, however, believed to play vital roles in the physiology of the plants that produce them, particularly as elements of the plants’ defensive arsenals.

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday morning at 8 on the Business Talk Radio Network (beginning June 1st 2013), Saturday afternoons at 4 on flagship WWBA AM820 News, and Sunday mornings at 8 on both  WAMT AM1190 News and WIXC AM1060 News. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcast page on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

On Food Nation Radio Network this week, we talked with Katrina Frey of Frey Vineyards about genetically modified yeast and over 100 surprising additives that can be put in wine without your knowledge and without a label.

Here’s what she had to say: 

About Frey Vineyards from their website: We have always been family-owned and operated, and today a third generation helps with the production of fine organic wines in a tradition of sustainability started 30 years ago. Our vineyards and winery are nestled on the slopes of the Redwood Valley A.V.A. (American Viticultural Area) in Mendocino County, California, at the headwaters of the Russian River. All of our wines are made with no added sulfites. Our innovative winemaking techniques compensate for the lack of this synthetic preservative (which can induce headaches, sniffles, and other allergic reactions in some people). The wine is therefore free to reveal its delicate and true flavors. Today, we are pleased that many more wineries and grape growers have become certified organic and Biodynamic®, for the health of our common environment as well as our customers.

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday morning at 8 on the Business Talk Radio Network (beginning June 1st 2013), Saturday afternoons at 4 on flagship WWBA AM820 News, and Sunday mornings at 8 on both  WAMT AM1190 News and WIXC AM1060 News. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcast page on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

BUSINESS TALKRADIO NETWORK BRINGS THE

FOOD NATION RADIO NETWORK TO NATIONAL SYNDICATION

For Immediate Release

Stamford, CT—May 13, 2013–The Business TalkRadio Network announced today an agreement with THE FOOD NATION RADIO NETWORK with ELIZABETH DOUGHERTY beginning June 1st, 2013 to join its roster of nationally syndicated programming on hundreds of radio stations across America.

“We are all really excited that hosts Elizabeth Dougherty and Michael Serio are bringing this compelling program to a national audience,” said Jeff Weber, Consulting Operations Officer for BTRN.
“We’re proud to be a part of this show which is informative and fun. It’s truly a one of a kind program,” he added.

THE FOOD NATION RADIO NETWORK is a one hour weekend show whose flagship station is Genesis Communications’ WWBA AM 820 in Tampa, FL. Elizabeth, along with Tampa radio veteran, Michael Serio send listeners on an adventure of “good food, food-related stories and compelling interviews.” It is delivered via satellite to stations across the country. Elizabeth Dougherty has an extensive background in food writing and culinary arts training. Her years of experience cooking and writing about food help demystify the concepts of good cooking for good health. She has written hundreds of articles on food that have appeared in many major publications. Additionally, her website, www.elizabethdougherty.com and Facebook page, “Elizabeth Dougherty” are among the most visited in the area, along with a strong presence on Twitter, keywords “FoodNationRadio”.

THE FOOD NATION RADIO NETWORK host Elizabeth Dougherty said, “We are pleased to partner with the Business TalkRadio Network as Food Nation Radio continues to grow so that we can continue to concentrate on the cutting-edge and entertaining content we provide to our listeners each week.”

More info on THE FOOD NATION RADIO NETWORK can be found on the BTRN website,www.BusinessTalkRadio.net.  Interested stations can also contact BTRN by phone at 203.323.7300 or by email: Jpatch@businesstalkradio.net

Business TalkRadio Network provides business, financial and specialized programming 24/7 to hundreds of radio stations all over the U.S. and Canada. It also syndicates nearly a dozen short form features as well.

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday morning at 8 on the Business Talk Radio Network (beginning June 1st 2013), Saturday afternoons at 4 on flagship WWBA AM820 News, and Sunday mornings at 8 on both  WAMT AM1190 News and WIXC AM1060 News. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcastpage on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

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This week on Food Nation Radio Network we interviewed Professor Joe Cummins, Professor Emeritus at the University of Western Ontario about his paper entitled, Water Not Fit to Drink. This paper was written for the Institute of Science in Society. Professor Cummins has written papers in the past at the behest of the USDA and FDA, among other government organizations in the United States.

Here is what he had to say about fluoride in drinking water along with our comments about it: 

Professor Joe Cummins, professor emeritus of genetics at the University of Western Ontario, is one of the foremost scientists active in the campaign to protect the safety of crops, foods, human health, and the environment. Prior to joining Western in 1972, he taught genetics at Rutgers University and the University of Washington (Seattle) and since 1968 has been involved in a range of environmental issues related to mercury, asbestos, PCBs, pesticides, toxic waste, and genetic engineering. Prof. Cummins is the author of more than 200 scientific and popular articles and has published recently in Nature Biotechnology, The Ecologist, and Biotechnology and Development Review. He lives in London, Ontario, Canada.

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday afternoon at 4 on WWBA AM820 News and  other stations. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcast page on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

We recently interviewed Attorney Bill Marler on Food Nation Radio Network about food CEOs and why criminal charges were brought against Stewart Parnell, former CEO of Peanut Corporation of America and former member of the Peanut Board at the USDA. Marler is best known as the attorney in the Jack in the Box lawsuit in which children suffered from E. coli poisoning after consuming hamburgers at the restaurant chain’s locations.

Marler says CEOs of food companies across the country are paying close attention to the PCA case.

We asked what the implications are for someone like Michael Taylor, former Vice President of Public Policy for Monsanto and now Food Safety Czar at the FDA, while more and more scientists, professors and concerned citizens on the Food Nation Radio Network point out some of the possible dangers of GMO seeds and glyphosate products produced by Monsanto. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in their trademarked RoundUp product. Their GMO seeds include RoundUp ready characteristics which allow unlimited amounts of glyphosate to be sprayed on the agricultural plants which are later consumed by humans and livestock. Here’s a retrospective of some of those guest’s comments and our interview with Attorney Bill Marler: 

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday afternoon at 4 on WWBA AM820 News and  other stations. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcast page on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

This week on the Food Nation Radio Network we spoke with Professor Don Huber who has identified an unknown entity in genetically modified corn. Concurrent with that discovery and research, he has found several very serious health effects from consuming GMO plants.

There are currently bills in front of the House and Senate in the Florida Legislature to label these foods, giving consumers the right to know what they are eating. GMOs include soy, corn and sugar beets, although there are several others on the market.

Some citrus farmers in the State of Florida are in support of a new genetically modified orange to combat “greening”, a blight on the citrus crops, instead of using more organic methods. This new orange produces its own insecticide inside the fruit to kill pests.

Here’s our shocking interview with Dr. Huber: 

Dr. Huber is Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Idaho (1957, 1959), a Ph-D from Michigan State University (1963), and is a graduate of the US Army Command & General Staff College and Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He was a Pathologist at the University of Idaho for 8 years before joining the Department of Botany & Plant Pathology at Purdue University in 1971. He does advisory work for the USDA.

In this PDF presentation obtained by Food Nation Radio Network, read about genetically modified oranges. The information speaks for itself. These GM oranges are currently in field trials in the State of Florida to combat a citrus blight called Greening, instead of testing two varieties of citrus that are already resistant to the blight.

There are local resources for organically grown oranges, including Uncle Matt’s (an organic brand) and at stores such as Rollin’ Oats and Whole Foods Market. Some farmer’s markets in the area may carry organic oranges, also. Certified organic produce is not permitted to be genetically modified.

GM-ORANGES

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday afternoon at 4 on WWBA AM820 News and  other stations. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcast page on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

Yesterday, we talked on all the Food Nation Radio Network sites about the intent of some citrus growers to genetically modify their crops to protect against a citrus blight called Greening. Three main options (with subcategories) were presented by researchers: modifying with frog genes, moth genes or other plant genes. Plant gene options include the snowdrop plant and the spinach plant, among others.

The snowdrop was used to modify potatoes by a Hungarian researcher, Arpad Pusztai back in 1995. He tested the potatoes on rats and found that a diet of his GM potatoes was causing intestinal damage and immune system problems in the rats.

One of the field trials being conducted on GM citrus is with spinach genes. While it is being hailed as “good enough for Popeye” the same concerns about the “dirty” process currently in use for genetic modification and lack of appropriate testing continue to be concerns for consumers.

Over 90% of Americans want genetically modified food to be labeled, although corporations and the politicians they fund have been largely hiding this information from the citizens they serve.

We interviewed a former Monsanto employee about the GM process. He describes some of the unintended results of genetic modification. Here’s what he had to say: Kirk Azevedo

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday afternoon at 4 on WWBA AM820 News and  other stations. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcast page on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

This week on the Food Nation Radio Network we spoke with Jaydee Hanson, the Senior Policy Analyst for The Center for Food Safety about the proposal in front of the FDA that would allow genetically modified salmon to be produced and sold in the United States.  As you’ll hear, the public spoke out against the proposal en masse, but barring a major reversal in government policy, look for this salmon to be on the market shortly.  While there is pending legislation that would require specific labeling of this particular salmon, unless it is labeled appropriately, you won’t even know you’re eating it.

Here’s what he had to say: 

From The Center for Food Safety’s website:  Jaydee Hanson works as a policy analyst for the Center for Food Safety on issues related to nanotechnology, animal cloning and animal genetic engineering. He also works for the Center’s sister agency, the International Center for Technology Assessment (ICTA) where he directs their work on human genetics, synthetic biology and nanotechnology. He is the US co-chair for the Nanotechnology Taskforce of the Transatlantic Consumers Dialogue and a fellow of the Institute on Biotechnology and the Human Future.

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday afternoon at 4 on WWBA AM820 News, Sunday morning at 8 on both  WAMT AM1190 News and WIXC AM1060 News. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcastpage on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

In January, Del Monte received approval to import a GMO to the United States for human consumption. The new pineapple with rose-colored flesh was touted to the USDA as having more lycopene in the edible fruit portion of the plant, while discouraging undesirable flowering and  reproduction of the plant, ensuring better harvests for the grower.

One of the genes used to accomplish this (tobacco) was surprising to Food Nation Radio Network. Tobacco is considered toxic for humans to eat, yet there were no test results or human studies provided in the application letter made to the USDA. The USDA did not request any studies in their approval letter to Del Monte.

Here’s what we had to say about it: 

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday afternoon at 4 on WWBA AM820 News, Sunday morning at 8 on both  WAMT AM1190 News and WIXC AM1060 News. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcastpage on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

This week on Food Nation Radio Network we interviewed Professor Joe Cummins, Professor Emeritus at the University of Western Ontario about vaccinations in the general food supply. He writes papers for the Institute of Science in Society. Professor Cummins has written papers in the past at the behest of the USDA and FDA, among other government organizations in the United States.

Here’s what he had to say: 

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday afternoon at 4 on WWBA AM820 News, Sunday morning at 8 on both  WAMT AM1190 News and WIXC AM1060 News. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcastpage on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

Genetically modified organism sounds so ominous these days, doesn’t it? What with insecticide inside some GM crops, and the ability to spray weed killer on them all day long without damaging them, it hasn’t been very good PR for companies like Monsanto.

Citizens across the United States are in favor of labeling these crops so they know what they are buying and taking home to their families.

Corporations, with all their political contributions, scare tactics and other means have been unsuccessful in duping the public into thinking these foods are safe to consume.

A change must be made.

What if…we put something beneficial inside these crops like more beta carotene, lycopene or other nutrients? We could continue to put all the other genes in there that allow us to keep our insecticides and weed-resistant crops in place, all in the name of…nutrition.

Food Nation Radio talked about it this week: 

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday afternoon at 4 on WWBA AM820 News, Sunday morning at 8 on both  WAMT AM1190 News and WIXC AM1060 News. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcast page on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

Dr. Stephanie Seneff, MIT

Nearly everyone knows a family affected by autism. One might say it’s an epidemic with now 1 in 88 children affected overall and 1 in 54 boys. We know there have been major changes in our food supply including pesticide load and genetically modified foods introduced in the American diet that began in the mid-seventies and really ramped up in the 1990s, continuing today.

We spoke with Dr. Stephanie Seneff from MIT about the connection between rates of autism and what is in our food supply.

Here’s what she had to say:  A Connection Between Autism And GMO Foods? Click To Listen

Dr. Seneff’s bio from her site: Stephanie Seneff is a Senior Research Scientist at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. She received the B.S. degree in Biophysics in 1968, the M.S. and E.E. degrees in Electrical Engineering in 1980, and the Ph.D degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 1985, all from MIT. For over three decades, her research interests have always been at the intersection of biology and computation – developing a computational model for the human auditory system, understanding human language so as to develop algorithms and systems for human computer interactions, as well as applying natural language processing (NLP) techniques to gene predictions. She has published over 170 refereed articles on these subjects, and has been invited to give keynote speeches at several international conferences. She has also supervised numerous Master’s and PhD theses at MIT. In 2012, Dr. Seneff was elected Fellow of the International Speech and Communication Association (ISCA).

In recent years, Dr. Seneff has focused her research interests back towards biology. She is concentrating mainly on the relationship between nutrition and health. Since 2011, she has written 10 papers (7 as first author) in various medical and health-related journals on topics such as modern day diseases (e.g., Alzheimer, autism, cardiovascular diseases), analysis and search of databases of drug side effects using NLP techniques, and the impact of nutritional deficiencies and environmental toxins on human health.

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday morning at 8 on the Business Talk Radio Network (beginning June 1st 2013), Saturday afternoons at 4 on flagship WWBA AM820 News, and Sunday mornings at 8 on both  WAMT AM1190 News and WIXC AM1060 News. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcast page on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

Food Nation Radio Network has learned a new rule may be going into effect in Florida that would limit the amount of eggs and poultry sold for human consumption at places like your local farmer’s market.

To more fully understand the implications of this rule for farmers and consumers, we spoke with Professor Mark Bauer from Stetson University School of Law.

You can listen to that interview from the show here: 

From the Stetson Law site: Mark Bauer is a Professor of Law teaching Antitrust, Administrative Law, Property, Consumer Protection, and Financial Advocacy. He also supervises Stetson’s internship program in Elder Consumer Protection Law and Stetson’s Full Semester Federal Agency Externship. Professor Bauer served as Stetson’s Associate Dean for Academics from 2009-2011. (His full bio is here.)

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday afternoon at 4 on WWBA AM820 News, Sunday morning at 8 on both  WAMT AM1190 News and WIXC AM1060 News. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcastpage on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

1. Corn – Nearly all corn in this country (except popcorn, at this writing) is genetically modified and you have to buy organic corn or organic corn products to avoid eating the modified versions. It’s also fed to chickens, cows and other livestock as vegetarian feed.

2. Soy - Nearly all soy in this country is genetically modified and you have to buy organic soy or organic soy products to avoid eating the modified versions. It’s also fed to chickens, cows and other livestock as vegetarian feed.

3. Sugar – Unless sugar is listed as cane sugar and/or organic, it is probably beet sugar, which could be genetically modified.

4. Squash (zucchini & yellow) – Some zucchini and yellow squash are modified. Buy organic.

5. Papayas – If you are buying them commercially, they are most likely GMO. Buy organic or from a source you trust.

6. Dairy – Some of the dairy supply contains rBGH which is a GMO growth hormone. It has been implicated in several health problems, including cancer.

7. Canola oil – Touted as healthier oil and margarine, canola is largely genetically modified. Stick with olive, grapeseed, safflower, coconut or other organic oil.

8. Aspartame – This artificial sweetener is made from GMO bacteria. Use organic cane sugar.

NEW- 9. Alfalfa grass – Fed to grass-fed beef, you should only buy meat that is grass-fed if it is organic.

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday afternoon at 4 on WWBA AM820 News, Sunday morning at 8 on both  WAMT AM1190 News and WIXC AM1060 News. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcastpage on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.

This Indian dish is seriously addictive. Food Nation Radio Network tried to make it a little easier by making it a one-pot dish. We didn’t cook the chicken in the oven, and instead, cooked it in the dish.

If you are worried about spicy food, use less Jalapeno and Poblano. Serve over Basmati rice cooked according to package directions and some warm Naan (Indian bread available in the deli section) on the side.

Chicken and marinade

1  pound organic chicken breasts, cut in 1″ cubes
1 cup greek yogurt
2 TB lemon juice
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp white pepper
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp sea salt
1 inch of ginger, peeled and cut in quarters

Method to marinate chicken

Combine all chicken and marinade ingredients in a glass bowl, toss to coat, cover and put in the refrigerator for an hour, or so, while you make the sauce (method for the sauce is below).

Sauce

1 medium onion, sliced thinly
1 jalapeno pepper
1 poblano pepper
3 cloves garlic
1 inch ginger
2 tsp garam masala
2 tsp curry powder
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp fenugreek
2 TB cane sugar
1 ½ TB tomato paste
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup greek yogurt
1 TB fresh cilantro

Sauce method

Combine all ingredients for the sauce in a food processor, except for the yogurt and fresh cilantro. Buzz until smooth. (You can strain it if it’s not smooth enough and/or add a little water if needed, to achieve a smooth consistency.) Place in a wide-bottomed pan on the stove and heat to simmer. Using a slotted spoon, scoop the chicken out of the marinade and place in the sauce. Continue to simmer until the chicken is cooked. While it is simmering make the Basmati rice according to package directions. Before serving, take the chicken with sauce off the stove and allow to cool for a few minutes, then add the yogurt and fresh cilantro, stirring to combine. Serve over the rice.

Elizabeth Dougherty has been a food writer for over 10 years, attended culinary school and holds a Bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude in Hospitality, Business and Labor Relations from NYIT. She has been a talk show host of nearly 200 episodes of Food Nation Radio which airs each Saturday afternoon at 4 on WWBA AM820 News, Sunday morning at 8 on both  WAMT AM1190 News and WIXC AM1060 News. You can read her articles and hear previous shows on her podcastpage on the Food Nation Radio Network website and on Facebook.