Listen to the Latest Produce Pair Podcast
The Produce Pair
- Simonian Fruit, Retro Tech, and Kitchen Oddities — 2001 Throwback October 29, 2025This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show – Historic Radio Archives, we step back to October 20th, 2001.Dan the Produce Man and Guido the Gardener welcome David Simonian of Simonian Fruit Company for a deep dive into pomegranates — varieties, growing regions, and why this bold, ruby-red fruit deserves a spot in every kitchen.Then […]Dan Avakian
- Fast Food, Good Fats, and Junk Food Seduction — A Look Back 21 Years October 2, 2025This Week on the Produce Pair Radio Show Historic ArchivesWe go back 21 years, to October 2nd, 2004. Dan the Produce Man and Guido the Gardener welcome Cathy Napoli, registered dietitian and holistic nutritionist, for a look at the health and nutrition trends of the time.And you know what? Some things haven’t changed much at […]Dan Avakian
- A Cheesy Trip Back to 2001 with the Cheese Dude! September 27, 2025This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show Archives, we’re rolling back to September 29th, 2001 with none other than Mark Todd, the Cheese Dude! That’s right — it’s a show packed with cheesy goodness and a whole lot of fun.Mark takes us through the history and origins of different cheeses, explains what the wax […]Dan Avakian
- Carlo Middione’s Magic & The Rise of Australian Oranges September 12, 2025This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show Archives, Dan the Produce Man and Guido the Gardener are joined by two special guests!First, we step back to September 14, 2002, when Australian navel oranges were just starting to make their way into the U.S. market. David Mixon of DNE World Fruit Sales joins us to […]Dan Avakian
- From Five-a-Day to Today: How Produce Shapes Health September 7, 2025In this week's historic episode, we’re going back to September 8th, 2001. Cut! It’s a triple celebration — September is National Mushroom Month, National Organic Harvest Month, and, back then, it was even National Five-a-Day Week. Remember that?While Guido is off soaking up the Hawaiian sunshine, Dan the Produce Man flies solo and welcomes Barbara […]Dan Avakian
- Historic Harvest: Peony Grapes, Kharbouza Melons & More with the Produce Pair September 2, 2025This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show: Historic ArchivesWe roll back to September 1st, 2000. While Guido The Gardner was vacationing in Hawaii, Greg McDonald—The Produce Guy—joined Dan the Produce Man for a lively chat on:Indian Red PeachesKyoho and Peony Grape varietiesYali and Hosui PearsKharbouza, Temptation, Cavaillon, & Crenshaw MelonsA smart melon-washing tip before […]Dan Avakian
- 1999 Flashback: Graham Kerr’s Food Transformation & Fresh Figs August 19, 2025From The Galloping Gourmet to The Gathering Place—celebrity chef Graham Kerr shares his shift to healthy, joyful cooking. Then, Jeff Schaefer (Stellar Distributing) joins us to talk about California fresh figs. Recorded in August 1999 on the TalkAmerica Radio Network.Dan Avakian
- Flashback to the Peachiest Weekend in San Francisco! July 25, 2025On July 24, 1999, we broadcasted The Produce Pair Radio Show live from The Cannery’s 4th Annual Peach Festival in San Francisco — and now, for the first time in 25 years, we’re bringing that episode back!Tune in as Rodger Helwig sits in for Guido the Gardener, and we welcome:👉 Sheila Zimmerman of Del Monte […]Dan Avakian
- Sweet Onions & Summer Vibes: A 1999 Flashback Nostalgia - The Produce Pair archives. July 15, 2025🎙️ This Week on The Produce Pair Radio Show Historic Archives:We rewind to July 10th, 1999 for a flavorful flashback featuring Jennifer Eriksen from the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Board! Broadcasting live on location with a lively audience, Jennifer takes us deep into the world of Sweet Onions—their flavor, their story, and why they’re […]Dan Avakian
- July 4th 1998 - Blast From The Past July 5, 2025This Produce Pair Show was barely 3 months old and was braodcasting on 2 stations in the San Francisco Bay Area KATD in Concord CA and KBPA in San Francisco CA. Guido and Dan are live at Paul's Produce in Alameda CA with phone guests Susan O'Rielly from the national Watermelon Promotion Board and Ron […]Dan Avakian
- Blast From the Past: Summer Goodies June 11, 2024The Produce Pair Radio Show on the Talk America Radio Network. June 7th sometime in the very early 2000s Guido The Gardener and Dan The Produce Man are joined by Kentucky Wonder Beans, Boysenberries and Blackberries, Guido's Squash tips in the garden, Dan's Heirloom TomatoesDan Avakian
- Coachella Valley Sweet Corn! May 19, 2023Fire up the grill this weekend with fresh new crop California corn on the cob! The desert region has given us great promotable volume on this first of the season crop from Coachella!Dan Avakian
- English Peas a Real Spring Treat! May 18, 2023Fresh English Peas in the pod are in from along California's coastal growing regions Dan shares tips on what to look for so you ca become an expert at picking out the sweetest peas every time!Dan Avakian
- May- Peak season for several Artichoke varieties! May 17, 2023Dan shares with us the best way to pick an artichoke with a Big Heart!Dan Avakian
- The Golden Rush of Gold Rush Apples! October 16, 2022Like many other apples the cidery sweet Gold Rush Apple is a combination of several other varieties. Tasty, Crunchy, and in season NOW!Dan Avakian
- Farmers Market Tips September 23, 2022When you buy specific produce items during your trip to the farmers market makes a big difference in how long they will last.Dan Avakian
- Last Day of Summer Grapeness September 22, 2022Are California Concord Grapes really Concord Grapes? The Thompson Seedless Golden Surprise!Dan Avakian
- Fresh September Figs! September 20, 2022September is a great month for fresh California figs, but how do you pick the sweetest and tastiest fruit?Dan Avakian
- Dry Farmed Tomatoes September 17, 2022September is a great month for California tomatoes, Heirlooms, Beefsteaks, and Multi-colored Cherry Tomatoes, but there's one tomato that bursts with more flavor than all of them! Tune in and find out what Dan's pick is this week!Dan Avakian
- Taste, Aroma, Color, Texture. September 6, 2022Blast from the Past: Award-winning Hall of Fame Legend Graham Kerr joins Dan and Guido to share the pleasure of fresh fruit and vegetables.Dan Avakian
Listen to Fresh From the Field Fridays with Dan The Produce Man and Ross The Produce Boss
Fresh From the Field Fridays
- Ghoul-Free Goodies: Halloween Fruit Tricks & Treats October 31, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays with Ross the Produce Boss and Dan the Produce Man — we’re getting spooky with produce.Halloween goodies, healthy swaps, and yes… even some candied fruit for the sweet tooth crowd.Ross breaks out a killer lineup of creative Halloween fruit boards and charcuterie-style displays — perfect for parties […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Colada Royale: Dole’s Smashingly Incredible New Pineapple! October 24, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, there’s an exciting new pineapple in town — and boy oh boy, it’s smashingly incredible! 🍍It’s the Colada Royale from Dole Fruit Company, and we’ve got the exclusive interview with Dr. Roberto Young, the developer behind this outstanding new pineapple. This one’s a real winner, folks!We also […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Blackstone Tips, Pumpkin Trips, and the Apple That Blew Dan Away! October 17, 2025This Week on Fresh from the Field Fridays!With Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce BossRoss breaks down some Blackstone cooking and cleaning tips that’ll make your next backyard session a breeze, while Dan takes us back to pumpkin season memories at Dan’s Fresh Produce - kids’ field trips, big smiles, and a few […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Live from Indiana: Pixie Crunch, Cider Donuts & IFPA Buzz! October 10, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays:Ross the Produce Boss is flying solo while Dan is visiting the Bay Area terminal produce markets. Ross is live from Indianapolis, Indiana, where he describes his visit to Tuttle Orchards in Greenfield—sampling some fantastic cider, Pixie Crunch apples, and Ludacrisp apples with an absolutely majestic crunch!He also […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Idaho Onions, Quince, Kiwi Berries, and Pears… Fresh Picks All Around! October 3, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays!Ross the Produce Boss is fresh back from Idaho with an inside look at the onionharvest—how they’re sorted, sized, packed, and stored for the season. We’veboth got garden updates: in Dan’s backyard, the Bosc pear tree is loaded withbeautiful golden-russet fruit. We’ll also share how to tell the […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Fall’s First Friday: Pumpkins, Berries & a Harvest of Stories September 26, 2025It’s the first Friday of fall, and Ross “The Produce Boss” and Dan “The Produce Man” are reminiscing about their retail display days — back when fall produce departments came alive with vibrant displays of pumpkins, gourds, apples, and squashes.Dan shares an important tip: when buying pumpkins, never pick them up by the stem — […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Moon Cherries, Baby Spuds & Wild Butt-Crack Peaches September 19, 2025This Week on Fresh from the Field FridaysRoss “The Produce Boss” Nelson and Dan “The Produce Man” Avakian share their top picks of the week!Ross dives into Moon Cherries, Baby Nibble Spuds cooked up on his Blackstone, and talks trends with vegetable consumption down and fruit consumption up. He also introduces his favorite new salad […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Fresh Picks & Millennial Trends You’ll See at the Store September 12, 2025This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays, host Ross Nelson is joined by special co-host Patrick Kelly while on the road in Charlotte, NC! Together, they dig into what’s fresh from the fields and landing in your grocery stores right now.The conversation also explores rising consumer trends, with a spotlight on millennial purchase power, and […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Dry-Farmed Flavor & Rising Stars with Mark Mulcahy September 5, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss share some of their top picks of the week. They’re joined byaward-winning organic retail consultant, educator, and advocate, and the owner of Organic Options Mark Mulcahy.Mark brings the latest on what’s tasting great right now — like dry-farmed […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Grapery Grapes: Hand-Harvested, Fully Ripened, Bursting with Flavor! August 29, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, we’re going ape for grapes! Ross “The Produce Boss” Nelson and Dan “The Produce Man” Avakian welcome Jim Beagle from Grapery.Jim shares his journey from working the fields at age five with his dad to becoming CEO of Grapery—still walking the rows every day with his crew. […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Soil Biology, Chefs, and the Future of Food: Farmer Lee Jones Bringing it Back to Life August 22, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss are joined by Farmer Lee Jones from The Chef's Garden in Huron, Ohio.Farmer Lee digs deep into regenerative agriculture—feeding the soil, respecting its biology, and restoring nutrients to our food. He explains how vegetables grown a century ago […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Inside FreshXperts: Strategies for Success in the Produce Industry August 15, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Anthony Totta from FreshXperts joins us. FreshXperts is a powerhouse team of produce industry consultants, advisors, and mentors.Anthony walks us through the group’s broad spectrum of expertise—everything from retail-level merchandising, product handling, and worker training, all the way back through the supply chain. That includes warehousing, ERP […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Sowing Change: How Dick Peixoto Grew an Organic Legacy August 8, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media—Ross the Produce Boss and Dan the Produce Man are joined by Dick Peixoto, founder and proprietor of Lakeside Organic Gardens.You’ve seen the Lakeside Organic Gardens label on organic veggies all across America, from grocery stores to foodservice distributors.Hear how […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- European Market Finds + IFPA Foodservice Summit! August 1, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media—Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss are live in Monterey at the IFPA Foodservice Summit!Ross is just back from Europe with great photos and stories from produce markets abroad. Dan’s got summer treats like Angelcots, Japanese honeydew, […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- This Ain’t Your Average Fruit Stand July 25, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media...Ross is away, traveling through Europe—so Dan is flying solo!But don’t worry, the produce is still piling high. Dan’s got a table full of summer stunners from Bay Area produce markets, farmers markets, and his own backyard garden.Fresh on the […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- From Cali to the Cobblestones: Ross Goes Euro & Dan Gets Garden Fresh July 18, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays From The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media…Ross is getting ready to hit the road again—this time, he's heading to Europe! And he’s promised to check in with us live from some of the fresh produce markets and street stands he discovers along the way.Before that, we’ll […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- From the Field: OPS 2025 and a Visit to Lakeside Organic Gardens July 11, 2025This week on Fresh From The Field Fridays Ross and Dan are reportin live from the Organic Produce Summit 2025 in Monterey California! - A short and fresh look at what’s happening in organics this week and a recap of the Lakeside Organic Gardens Farm Tour in Watsonville.Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Stars, Stripes & Summer Produce: Your 4th of July Special July 4, 2025Happy 4th of July from Fresh from the Field Fridays, The Produce Industry Network, and AgLife Media!This week, Ross is fresh back from Berry University—and he's bringing the juicy details. Plus, longtime produce pro Armand Lobato joins us as he steps into retirement (but not out of the game).We're talking summer produce, Fourth of July […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Stone Fruit Central: Peaches, Plums, and Backyard Bounty June 27, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays from The Produce Industry Network and AgLife Media, it’s summertime—and that means stone fruit is on fire!Ross and Dan welcome Kevin Steiner from Mountain View Fruit to talk all things peaches, nectarines, peachcots, plumcots, and plums—yellow, white, and everything in between. The season’s hitting its stride, and […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- "The Fruit Will Talk To Us" June 20, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Ross the Produce Boss and Dan the Produce Man welcome Joel Hewitt from CMI Orchards.We’re diving deep into the Northwest Cherry season—talking timing, trends, and taste. Joel gives us the lowdown on the American Dream label—what it stands for, what’s behind it, and why it matters. We’ll […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
Listen to the Latest Produce Pair Podcast
The Produce Pair
- Simonian Fruit, Retro Tech, and Kitchen Oddities — 2001 Throwback October 29, 2025This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show – Historic Radio Archives, we step back to October 20th, 2001.Dan the Produce Man and Guido the Gardener welcome David Simonian of Simonian Fruit Company for a deep dive into pomegranates — varieties, growing regions, and why this bold, ruby-red fruit deserves a spot in every kitchen.Then […]Dan Avakian
- Fast Food, Good Fats, and Junk Food Seduction — A Look Back 21 Years October 2, 2025This Week on the Produce Pair Radio Show Historic ArchivesWe go back 21 years, to October 2nd, 2004. Dan the Produce Man and Guido the Gardener welcome Cathy Napoli, registered dietitian and holistic nutritionist, for a look at the health and nutrition trends of the time.And you know what? Some things haven’t changed much at […]Dan Avakian
- A Cheesy Trip Back to 2001 with the Cheese Dude! September 27, 2025This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show Archives, we’re rolling back to September 29th, 2001 with none other than Mark Todd, the Cheese Dude! That’s right — it’s a show packed with cheesy goodness and a whole lot of fun.Mark takes us through the history and origins of different cheeses, explains what the wax […]Dan Avakian
- Carlo Middione’s Magic & The Rise of Australian Oranges September 12, 2025This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show Archives, Dan the Produce Man and Guido the Gardener are joined by two special guests!First, we step back to September 14, 2002, when Australian navel oranges were just starting to make their way into the U.S. market. David Mixon of DNE World Fruit Sales joins us to […]Dan Avakian
- From Five-a-Day to Today: How Produce Shapes Health September 7, 2025In this week's historic episode, we’re going back to September 8th, 2001. Cut! It’s a triple celebration — September is National Mushroom Month, National Organic Harvest Month, and, back then, it was even National Five-a-Day Week. Remember that?While Guido is off soaking up the Hawaiian sunshine, Dan the Produce Man flies solo and welcomes Barbara […]Dan Avakian
- Historic Harvest: Peony Grapes, Kharbouza Melons & More with the Produce Pair September 2, 2025This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show: Historic ArchivesWe roll back to September 1st, 2000. While Guido The Gardner was vacationing in Hawaii, Greg McDonald—The Produce Guy—joined Dan the Produce Man for a lively chat on:Indian Red PeachesKyoho and Peony Grape varietiesYali and Hosui PearsKharbouza, Temptation, Cavaillon, & Crenshaw MelonsA smart melon-washing tip before […]Dan Avakian
- 1999 Flashback: Graham Kerr’s Food Transformation & Fresh Figs August 19, 2025From The Galloping Gourmet to The Gathering Place—celebrity chef Graham Kerr shares his shift to healthy, joyful cooking. Then, Jeff Schaefer (Stellar Distributing) joins us to talk about California fresh figs. Recorded in August 1999 on the TalkAmerica Radio Network.Dan Avakian
- Flashback to the Peachiest Weekend in San Francisco! July 25, 2025On July 24, 1999, we broadcasted The Produce Pair Radio Show live from The Cannery’s 4th Annual Peach Festival in San Francisco — and now, for the first time in 25 years, we’re bringing that episode back!Tune in as Rodger Helwig sits in for Guido the Gardener, and we welcome:👉 Sheila Zimmerman of Del Monte […]Dan Avakian
- Sweet Onions & Summer Vibes: A 1999 Flashback Nostalgia - The Produce Pair archives. July 15, 2025🎙️ This Week on The Produce Pair Radio Show Historic Archives:We rewind to July 10th, 1999 for a flavorful flashback featuring Jennifer Eriksen from the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Board! Broadcasting live on location with a lively audience, Jennifer takes us deep into the world of Sweet Onions—their flavor, their story, and why they’re […]Dan Avakian
- July 4th 1998 - Blast From The Past July 5, 2025This Produce Pair Show was barely 3 months old and was braodcasting on 2 stations in the San Francisco Bay Area KATD in Concord CA and KBPA in San Francisco CA. Guido and Dan are live at Paul's Produce in Alameda CA with phone guests Susan O'Rielly from the national Watermelon Promotion Board and Ron […]Dan Avakian
Listen to Fresh From the Field Fridays
Fresh From the Field Fridays
- Ghoul-Free Goodies: Halloween Fruit Tricks & Treats October 31, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays with Ross the Produce Boss and Dan the Produce Man — we’re getting spooky with produce.Halloween goodies, healthy swaps, and yes… even some candied fruit for the sweet tooth crowd.Ross breaks out a killer lineup of creative Halloween fruit boards and charcuterie-style displays — perfect for parties […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Colada Royale: Dole’s Smashingly Incredible New Pineapple! October 24, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, there’s an exciting new pineapple in town — and boy oh boy, it’s smashingly incredible! 🍍It’s the Colada Royale from Dole Fruit Company, and we’ve got the exclusive interview with Dr. Roberto Young, the developer behind this outstanding new pineapple. This one’s a real winner, folks!We also […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Blackstone Tips, Pumpkin Trips, and the Apple That Blew Dan Away! October 17, 2025This Week on Fresh from the Field Fridays!With Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce BossRoss breaks down some Blackstone cooking and cleaning tips that’ll make your next backyard session a breeze, while Dan takes us back to pumpkin season memories at Dan’s Fresh Produce - kids’ field trips, big smiles, and a few […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Live from Indiana: Pixie Crunch, Cider Donuts & IFPA Buzz! October 10, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays:Ross the Produce Boss is flying solo while Dan is visiting the Bay Area terminal produce markets. Ross is live from Indianapolis, Indiana, where he describes his visit to Tuttle Orchards in Greenfield—sampling some fantastic cider, Pixie Crunch apples, and Ludacrisp apples with an absolutely majestic crunch!He also […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Idaho Onions, Quince, Kiwi Berries, and Pears… Fresh Picks All Around! October 3, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays!Ross the Produce Boss is fresh back from Idaho with an inside look at the onionharvest—how they’re sorted, sized, packed, and stored for the season. We’veboth got garden updates: in Dan’s backyard, the Bosc pear tree is loaded withbeautiful golden-russet fruit. We’ll also share how to tell the […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Fall’s First Friday: Pumpkins, Berries & a Harvest of Stories September 26, 2025It’s the first Friday of fall, and Ross “The Produce Boss” and Dan “The Produce Man” are reminiscing about their retail display days — back when fall produce departments came alive with vibrant displays of pumpkins, gourds, apples, and squashes.Dan shares an important tip: when buying pumpkins, never pick them up by the stem — […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Moon Cherries, Baby Spuds & Wild Butt-Crack Peaches September 19, 2025This Week on Fresh from the Field FridaysRoss “The Produce Boss” Nelson and Dan “The Produce Man” Avakian share their top picks of the week!Ross dives into Moon Cherries, Baby Nibble Spuds cooked up on his Blackstone, and talks trends with vegetable consumption down and fruit consumption up. He also introduces his favorite new salad […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Fresh Picks & Millennial Trends You’ll See at the Store September 12, 2025This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays, host Ross Nelson is joined by special co-host Patrick Kelly while on the road in Charlotte, NC! Together, they dig into what’s fresh from the fields and landing in your grocery stores right now.The conversation also explores rising consumer trends, with a spotlight on millennial purchase power, and […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Dry-Farmed Flavor & Rising Stars with Mark Mulcahy September 5, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss share some of their top picks of the week. They’re joined byaward-winning organic retail consultant, educator, and advocate, and the owner of Organic Options Mark Mulcahy.Mark brings the latest on what’s tasting great right now — like dry-farmed […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Grapery Grapes: Hand-Harvested, Fully Ripened, Bursting with Flavor! August 29, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, we’re going ape for grapes! Ross “The Produce Boss” Nelson and Dan “The Produce Man” Avakian welcome Jim Beagle from Grapery.Jim shares his journey from working the fields at age five with his dad to becoming CEO of Grapery—still walking the rows every day with his crew. […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
The Produce Pair Radio Show Archives
