Lygus bugs, moths present in sunflowers, keep your eye on stored grain | Quality Sunflower Seeds Kernel

Before opening, Tito & Pep had no hype. They had no social media presence. They were humble. Having been officially open for less than a month, they’re already growing into one of the most beloved restaurants in Tucson.

In a stretch of 12th Avenue immersed in tradition, Rollies opened as a modern, hip, fun joint. In the land of 1,000 tacos, they still manage to stand out with their fresh take and upbeat vibe. They also manage to keep prices affordable. The Sunday happy hour deals are a steal.

Grace Dickinson / Philadelphia Inquirer Watermelon rinds are capable of lending a crunchy component to stir-fry or alongside sandwiches in their quick-pickled form, as pictured here.

You can find Chef Stephan VanHeulen’s recipe for Citrus-Cured Salmon in the December 2018 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine.

Three proud proprietors of Schumitsch Seed Inc. include, from left to right, Jay, Penny and Scott Schumitsch. (Photo: Courtesy of Travis Dewitz)

Wooden crates filled with just-received fresh produce—yellow heirloom tomatoes, shiny violet eggplants, leafy “chou” kale—are stacked on top of each other like Jenga pieces, making the passageway between the dining room and kitchen (not to mention the closet-size bathroom) a tad tight. What Omar isn’t using generally remains there in boxes, acting as decor. Bottles of natural wine are lined up along a plant-scattered shelf against the white, exposed brick wall. Edison bulbs hang over the wooden tables for two.

Taking care of your hair isn’t limited to the products you apply. Like pretty much every other aspect of our health, our hair can also benefit from our consumption of certain healthy foods. For instance, vitamin E is excellent for our hair because it supports collagen production. Foods high in vitamin E include almonds, avocados, brazil nuts, mangoes, and more! B vitamins are also important for our hair. Dates are a great example of a plant-based food with B vitamins and other nutrients, such as pyridoxine which helps the production of keratin. Other foods that are good for your hair to include in your diet are oats, greens, and plenty of superfood seeds such as pumpkin, chia, and flax seeds.

The world’s largest pumpkin has arrived at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx to live out the rest of its epic life.The 2,528 pound squash is the largest pumpkin  ever grown in North America. Grown by Steve Geddes in New Hampshire, the pumpkin is a pale orange and weighs the equivalent of two adult grizzly bears.

Nederland Laraina James’ veins might very well run with pickle juice. Taught to preserve by her father (who was taught by his mother, who was taught by her mother), Louisiana-born James feels like she’s communing with her ancestors through Cajun Mountain Girl Creations. Based in Nederland, James uses as much local produce as she can get—Platteville’s Miller Farms is a regular source—to craft her spicy wares. “Everything I pickle contains jalapeño, garlic, and a little cayenne,” James says. “It’s how I get a ton of flavor and a little kick.” As long as she keeps the pH levels below CFA limits (a food-safety requirement), James can pickle just about any vegetable or fruit she likes—and she does. Her asparagus and Brussels sprouts, in particular, are tangy delights, and during the colder months, James also sells applesauce, relishes, and chutneys. In fact, her cranberry chutney, available now, is the perfect condiment for that turkey or ham on your holiday menu.How To Buy: Find Cajun Mountain Girl Creations pickles ($9 per pint) at farmers’ markets from Nederland to Fort Collins. 985-713-1421

Holidays are prime time to ride the wave of truffle season, as every chef in Aspen has a hookup. “We’ll make it rain truffles on anything,” confirms Casa Tua Aspen front-of-house manager Andrea Testa, adding that last year’s effort totaled more than 5 pounds. The chic Italian restaurant is blowing out New Year’s Eve with a baller white-truffle-topped tasting menu—including on mille-feuille dessert. 403 S. Galena St., 970-920-7277, casatualifestyle.com

Many menus are cracking up. Chefs employ a range of other ingredients to make menu items munchable. The Jalapeño Turkey Crunch Sandwich at McAlister’s Deli’s, based in Atlanta, received the promised crunch from the jalapeño kettle chips tucked under the bun. Likewise, RHBQ, the new iteration of the Red Hot & Blue barbecue chain based in Winston-Salem, N.C., features Frito Pie in which house-made spicy chili, queso blanco, sour cream, cheddar cheese and the titular Fritos corn chips are served in a snipped-open Fritos bag, as is the custom in the south.

Geddes quickly discovered that pumpkins, like children, grow up so fast. He also discovered he was good at growing them, and now, after the annual competition last weekend at the Deerfield Fair, Geddes holds the record for growing the heaviest pumpkin in North American history.