holidays

Dec 20, 2022

Making Scents: North Carolina Christmas Tree Fragrances 

If you go to any candle retailer this time of year, you will likely find balsam, pine and cedar scents. But what about North Carolina's Fraser fir? The Fraser fir essential oil is currently sold to niche markets but could soon become a holiday staple. 

Dec 19, 2022

N.C. PSI Decks the Halls with First Holiday Tree

The 15-foot-tall, 500-pound tree in the NC State University Plant Sciences Building builds community among researchers and highlights North Carolina agriculture. 

Dec 14, 2022

‘Tis the Season for Poinsettias

This time of year, tabletops, lobbies and front doors are adorned with the rich red velvety leaves of the unofficial Christmas flower: the poinsettia. This episode of Farms, Food and You discusses the poinsettia's surprising history and its colorful future. 

Dec 12, 2022

Christmas Begins in July for CALS Poinsettia Researcher

Brian Jackson, a professor in the Department of Horticultural Science, grew nearly a thousand poinsettias this year to study soilless production. Now, he’s using the plants to spread holiday cheer across campus. 

Dec 5, 2022

Scientists Prepare for Exploding Christmas Tree Seeds

A new seed facility will help NC State researchers prepare for the next generation of Fraser fir Christmas trees selected for their superior traits. 

Nov 29, 2022

Talk Turkey with Chocolate, the 2022 National Turkey

Chocolate, the National Thanksgiving Turkey, reminisces about the whirlwind week he and his brother, Chip, had before coming home to NC State. 

Nov 15, 2022

Holiday Comfort Foods Made in North Carolina

As you glance around your holiday table, you may find it comforting to know that many of the traditional Thanksgiving foods were likely grown or raised in North Carolina. 

Nov 15, 2022

NC State Selected as Home for 2022 National Thanksgiving Turkeys

NC State CALS will be home to the official National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate following the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation at the White House on Nov. 21. 

Nov 5, 2022

Go Beyond Fall Flavors by Cooking With Pumpkins

There are a few sure-fire signs of fall, one being pumpkin-flavored everything. But is it good for us? NC State Extension's Catherine Hill suggests cooking with real pumpkin to get your healthy, fall flavor fix. 

Oct 24, 2022

Zombie Deer and the Scientists Behind the War on the ‘Man Eater’

NC State researchers are working on perfecting a female-killing gene for one of the most destructive pests in the world.