Some pecans have divided interiors

Question: I cracked a pecan that had three sections inside the shell instead of the normal two. Is this unusual?

Answer: It is unusual but not uncommon to find a pecan whose interior is divided into thirds instead of halves. This is not a desirable trait for commercial pecan growers and shellers due the nutmeats being smaller and because these nonstandard tripartite nuts are more likely to be broken during the mechanized shelling process.

Q: Is Turk’s turban squash edible?

A: Most people consider Turk’s turban (also known as Turk’s cap or French turban) squash as a fall and Thanksgiving decoration due to its dark orange, green and white color combination and unusual shape. However, it is edible and may be prepared and used the same way as pumpkins and butternut squash. Some suggestions are in custards, pies, cookies, muffins, spice bars, soups and risottos.

Q: I want to raise canaries to sell. Am I required to have a license?

A: In order to help prevent the outbreak and spread of avian diseases, as well as to insure humane care, bird breeders and dealers are required to be licensed and inspected. Please contact our Animal Protection Section at 404-656-4914.

Q: Is it safe to cook a turkey overnight at a low temperature?

A: It is not safe to cook any meat or poultry in an oven set lower than 325 degrees F. At lower temperatures meat remains in what food scientists refer to as the danger zone. The danger zone is the temperature range between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F in which bacteria can grow rapidly.

Q: Someone gave me a dancing bones cactus. What can you tell me about it?

A: Dancing bones cactus (Rhipsalis salicornioides, formerly Hatiora salicornioides) is not a desert cactus but is an epiphytic one like the more familiar Thanksgiving and Christmas cactuses. It is native to the forests of Brazil. It is an interesting, easy-to-grow houseplant. Ordinary potting soil that is well drained and a window facing south, east or west will suit it fine. Allow it to dry out between waterings.

Dancing bones cactus has small yellow flowers that fade to salmon. It is grown mostly for its overall appearance, not the flowers. Older stems on mature specimens can become woody and make the cactus look like a pseudo-bonsai. It would be an excellent choice to train to look like a miniature multitrunked tree in a large bonsai pot.

The cactus gets its name from its jointed stem segments. These segments can resemble little bottles and provide the plant’s other colorful and alliterative name, “drunkard’s dream.”

Q: Are dwarf pomegranates edible?

Technically, yes. However, the shrub is grown more for its ornamental qualities such as the attractive small fruits, bright scarlet flowers and waxy buds. The fruits are generally quite sour and too small to be worth the effort.

If you have questions about services or products regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, write Arty Schronce (arty. schronce@ agr. georgia. gov) or visit the department’s website at www. agr.georgia.gov.