Listen to the Latest Produce Pair Podcast
The Produce Pair
- Too Hot Tamales and Tortilla Soup – A Classic Produce Pair with Mary Sue and Susan February 21, 2026This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show Historic Archives, we roll back to February 23, 2002, as Dan and Guido welcome The Border Girls, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger.These two are pioneers of modern Mexican cuisine and true culinary trailblazers. With a partnership spanning more than 40 years, they built an empire that […]Dan Avakian
- A 23-Year Time Capsule: The Produce Pair Radio Show on January 18, 2003 January 18, 2026This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show Historic Archives, we step back to January 18, 2003 - the week we added the Universal Talk Network to our list of stations. Dan the Produce Man and Guido the Gardener dig into Red D’Anjou pears, Lee mandarins, Texas citrus, sunchokes, early asparagus, and more. We also […]Dan Avakian
- The Produce Pair radio Show January 2, 1999 January 10, 2026This week on The Produce Pair Radio Archives, we go wayyy back to when the show was still in its infancy — January 2, 1999.Trivia question: what 1960s band recorded the song “Broccoli”?Guido the Gardener shares his Produce Predictions for 1999, we tackle the question of who is the patron saint of broadcasters, and have […]Dan Avakian
- Date Talk with Hadley Dates: A Produce Pair Classic December 13, 2025This week on the Produce Pair Historic Radio Archives, we roll back the clock to December 11, 2004 with Albert Keck (K-E-C-K) of Hadley Dates.Albert joins Dan the Produce Man and Guido the Gardener for a fun, information-packed conversation covering everything you ever wanted to know about date growing, availability, varieties, and how dates are […]Dan Avakian
- Chef Tony’s Turkey Secrets: A Produce Pair Classic (Historic Archives) November 14, 2025This week on The Produce Pair Radio Show – Historic Archives…We’re stepping back to November 6th, 1999, when Guido the Gardener and Dan the Produce Man welcomed the one and only Produce Chef Tony Merola — author of Floribbean Flavors and an all-around fresh-produce legend.Chef Tony brings a ton of goodies to the table:• His […]Dan Avakian
- 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
Listen to Fresh From the Field Fridays with Dan The Produce Man and Ross The Produce Boss
Fresh From the Field Fridays
- Spring Produce Lineup Cherries Apricots Peaches and More April 17, 2026This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce ManWe’ve got Bei Bei Kabocha squash, baby fava beans, Seascape strawberries, first of the season California Tioga cherries, plus fresh California apricots, peaches, and purple asparagusIt’s all right here - your produce market on the podosphereFresh From the Field Fridays, from the Produce […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Longan to Mangoes: The Hottest Fresh Produce Hits This Week April 10, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man brings you four outstanding spring items that are sure to get your attention.First, we head into the tropical fruit world with the exotic and delicious longan.Then it’s off to Watsonville, California for beautiful red Little Gem lettuce and fresh new crop sugar snap […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Fresh, Fast, and Right Off the Farm, Spring Produce Is Rolling In April 3, 2026This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce Man, we’re talking spring. Four items that are really shining right now.Savoy or Bloomsdale spinach, fresh harvested English peas, young spring radishes, and new crop California blueberries.Then we take a trip to the farmers market and catch up with Eric Arias of Castellano […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- A Juicy Strawberry Romance Story from Dan’s Younger Days March 27, 2026This week, we’re talking Gravenstein apples, a Sonoma County classic that is fading fast.Up in the Yuba City area, peach orchards - gone!At the same time, a whole wave of new fruit and berry varieties is coming your way.And in the bigger picture, restaurants are closing left and right. What is really going on out […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Spring Heatwave in California - Are Cherries and Peaches at Risk? March 20, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man dives into what this early spring heat wave here in California could be doing to the cherry crop, those blossoms still hanging on, and how it may impact early stone fruit still on the trees.Then we head over to the produce table where […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- From St. Patrick’s Day Cabbage to the San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market March 13, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man dives into St. Patrick’s Day cabbage—a classic that’s been showing up on produce stands and dinner tables for generations.Then we take a trip over to the San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, where we talk with growers about Gem and Zutano avocados and […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- From Kumquats to Garlic: Late Season Citrus & Why California Asparagus Is Vanishing March 6, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, we’re getting into some late-season citrus with sour oranges and kumquats. We’ve also got mini sapotes on the table, the difference between Hawaiian ginger and Chinese ginger, California garlic versus Chinese garlic, Meyer lemons, and we’ll talk about what happened to all the California asparagus.It’s all right […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- From Mushrooms to Mandarins: King Oyster Pulled Pork, Dazzle Apples & Blood Orange varieties! February 27, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan has King Oyster mushrooms on the produce table. Learn how you can turn these incredible mushrooms into vegan pulled pork and delicious tacos.Also on the table is Dazzle variety sweet apples, Ataulfo mangoes, Kinnow mandarins, and three varieties of blood oranges to taste and compare.It’s all […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Fueling the Olympics: Fresh Produce and Performance Insights from Italy February 20, 2026Join Ross the Produce Boss as he fills in for Dan with special guest Patrick Kelly to dive into the role of fresh produce in fueling athletes at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Explore how Italian cuisine and seasonal fruits and veggies are powering peak performance, plus insider tips on what’s fresh and local this season. […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- The Rise of Cabbage, Strawberry Season, and the Power of the Farmer’s Voice February 13, 2026This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss welcome Caroline Lewis, founder of The Farmer’s Feed—all about reconnecting people with the farmers who actually grow their food.We dig into the cabbage trend that’s heating up in foodservice and retail, talk about why farmers need to tell […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Earthquakes, Snow, and Super Bowl Snacks: Fresh Produce Takes Center Stage February 6, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, we’re talking earthquakes, snowy weather, and the real-world challenges facing the produce industry right now. On the fresh side, we dive into Gold Nugget mandarins, Cuties in bags, Enchanted cider, cello radishes, the sweetest batch blueberries, blood orange varieties, and pineberries. We also cover bringing healthier produce […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- New Produce Finds: Zucchiolo, Valentine Pomelo, and the Colorful World of Cauliflower January 30, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss, Ross is fresh back from the SWIPE show and brings us a brand-new item called Zucchiolo. We also talk frozen grapes and why they’re such a great snack.On the produce table: Gold Nugget mandarins, Valentine pomelo, and […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- New Produce Finds: Juicy Crunch Tangerines, PictSweet Air Fryer Veggies & Microgreens January 23, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Ross “The Produce Boss” and Dan the Produce Man share some great finds from the market. Ross talks about the Juicy Crunch tangerine, some air-fryer-ready frozen produce from PictSweet Farms, and a sweet treat — chocolate-covered pistachios. Dan dives into more microgreen varieties and shows off those […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- From Dandelions to Chocolate Oranges: What’s Fresh, What’s Hot, and What’s Happening in Produce Right Now January 16, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, we’re talking dandelion greens, Cara Cara red navels, and those rare Chocolate Navel oranges — all showing up in stores right now.Dan also breaks down a timely AgLife Media article on California pear growers and the impact of heavy imported pear volume still in the pipeline just […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- What Changed in Produce in 2025—and What’s Coming in 2026 January 9, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss dive into the biggest fresh produce and food trends of 2025—and look ahead to what’s coming in 2026.From fresh-cut vs. bulk on the produce stand to mushrooms, berries, and the ever-growing wall of salads, we break down what’s […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Starting the Year Right With What You Eat January 2, 2026It’s a new year on Fresh-from-the-Field Fridays, and Dan the Produce Man brings you four in-season favorites.We kick things off with broccolini, also known as sweet baby broccoli, where it came from, why it goes by so many different names, and why the stems matter.With all the rain in Northern California, chanterelle mushrooms are abundant […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Fresh Picks, Family Takes, and New Year’s Produce December 26, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Ross brings on a special guest, his daughter Alice, to share her preteen fresh produce picks. Ross also digs into some dairy-free alternatives to his traditional Czech heritage cookies, plus brand-new seasoned veggie kits made for the air fryer. They cover New Year’s Eve produce picks, from […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- From Czech Cookies to Christmas Citrus: A Holiday Produce Table December 19, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays,Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss aretalking Christmas cookie traditions, with Ross sharing family-favorite Czechrecipesand why he still uses an old-school, hand-turned grinder to make walnut flourthe traditional way. That technique also opens the door to gluten-free anddairy-free holiday cookie options.On the table this week: […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Holiday Cooking Made Easy: Chef Jeffrey’s Insider Tips December 12, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Chef Jeffrey Schlissel joins us with smart, time-saving prep tips to make your holiday cooking a whole lot easier. We get into what you can prep ahead so you’re not slammed on the big day, the latest trends in the restaurant and food-service world, and a heads-up […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- From New York to Monterey: Fresh Picks Coast to Coast December 5, 2025This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays:Ross is on the East Coast at the New York Produce Show, and Dan is in Monterey at the Organic Grower Summit. We kick things off with the latest on the strawberry situation, then roll right into our picks of the week: crisp Iceberg lettuce, sweet Ambrosia apples, […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
Listen to the Latest Produce Pair Podcast
The Produce Pair
- Too Hot Tamales and Tortilla Soup – A Classic Produce Pair with Mary Sue and Susan February 21, 2026This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show Historic Archives, we roll back to February 23, 2002, as Dan and Guido welcome The Border Girls, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger.These two are pioneers of modern Mexican cuisine and true culinary trailblazers. With a partnership spanning more than 40 years, they built an empire that […]Dan Avakian
- A 23-Year Time Capsule: The Produce Pair Radio Show on January 18, 2003 January 18, 2026This week on the Produce Pair Radio Show Historic Archives, we step back to January 18, 2003 - the week we added the Universal Talk Network to our list of stations. Dan the Produce Man and Guido the Gardener dig into Red D’Anjou pears, Lee mandarins, Texas citrus, sunchokes, early asparagus, and more. We also […]Dan Avakian
- The Produce Pair radio Show January 2, 1999 January 10, 2026This week on The Produce Pair Radio Archives, we go wayyy back to when the show was still in its infancy — January 2, 1999.Trivia question: what 1960s band recorded the song “Broccoli”?Guido the Gardener shares his Produce Predictions for 1999, we tackle the question of who is the patron saint of broadcasters, and have […]Dan Avakian
- Date Talk with Hadley Dates: A Produce Pair Classic December 13, 2025This week on the Produce Pair Historic Radio Archives, we roll back the clock to December 11, 2004 with Albert Keck (K-E-C-K) of Hadley Dates.Albert joins Dan the Produce Man and Guido the Gardener for a fun, information-packed conversation covering everything you ever wanted to know about date growing, availability, varieties, and how dates are […]Dan Avakian
- Chef Tony’s Turkey Secrets: A Produce Pair Classic (Historic Archives) November 14, 2025This week on The Produce Pair Radio Show – Historic Archives…We’re stepping back to November 6th, 1999, when Guido the Gardener and Dan the Produce Man welcomed the one and only Produce Chef Tony Merola — author of Floribbean Flavors and an all-around fresh-produce legend.Chef Tony brings a ton of goodies to the table:• His […]Dan Avakian
- 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
Listen to Fresh From the Field Fridays
Fresh From the Field Fridays
- Spring Produce Lineup Cherries Apricots Peaches and More April 17, 2026This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce ManWe’ve got Bei Bei Kabocha squash, baby fava beans, Seascape strawberries, first of the season California Tioga cherries, plus fresh California apricots, peaches, and purple asparagusIt’s all right here - your produce market on the podosphereFresh From the Field Fridays, from the Produce […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Longan to Mangoes: The Hottest Fresh Produce Hits This Week April 10, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man brings you four outstanding spring items that are sure to get your attention.First, we head into the tropical fruit world with the exotic and delicious longan.Then it’s off to Watsonville, California for beautiful red Little Gem lettuce and fresh new crop sugar snap […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Fresh, Fast, and Right Off the Farm, Spring Produce Is Rolling In April 3, 2026This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays with Dan the Produce Man, we’re talking spring. Four items that are really shining right now.Savoy or Bloomsdale spinach, fresh harvested English peas, young spring radishes, and new crop California blueberries.Then we take a trip to the farmers market and catch up with Eric Arias of Castellano […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- A Juicy Strawberry Romance Story from Dan’s Younger Days March 27, 2026This week, we’re talking Gravenstein apples, a Sonoma County classic that is fading fast.Up in the Yuba City area, peach orchards - gone!At the same time, a whole wave of new fruit and berry varieties is coming your way.And in the bigger picture, restaurants are closing left and right. What is really going on out […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Spring Heatwave in California - Are Cherries and Peaches at Risk? March 20, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man dives into what this early spring heat wave here in California could be doing to the cherry crop, those blossoms still hanging on, and how it may impact early stone fruit still on the trees.Then we head over to the produce table where […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- From St. Patrick’s Day Cabbage to the San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market March 13, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man dives into St. Patrick’s Day cabbage—a classic that’s been showing up on produce stands and dinner tables for generations.Then we take a trip over to the San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, where we talk with growers about Gem and Zutano avocados and […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- From Kumquats to Garlic: Late Season Citrus & Why California Asparagus Is Vanishing March 6, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, we’re getting into some late-season citrus with sour oranges and kumquats. We’ve also got mini sapotes on the table, the difference between Hawaiian ginger and Chinese ginger, California garlic versus Chinese garlic, Meyer lemons, and we’ll talk about what happened to all the California asparagus.It’s all right […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- From Mushrooms to Mandarins: King Oyster Pulled Pork, Dazzle Apples & Blood Orange varieties! February 27, 2026This week on Fresh from the Field Fridays, Dan has King Oyster mushrooms on the produce table. Learn how you can turn these incredible mushrooms into vegan pulled pork and delicious tacos.Also on the table is Dazzle variety sweet apples, Ataulfo mangoes, Kinnow mandarins, and three varieties of blood oranges to taste and compare.It’s all […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- Fueling the Olympics: Fresh Produce and Performance Insights from Italy February 20, 2026Join Ross the Produce Boss as he fills in for Dan with special guest Patrick Kelly to dive into the role of fresh produce in fueling athletes at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Explore how Italian cuisine and seasonal fruits and veggies are powering peak performance, plus insider tips on what’s fresh and local this season. […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
- The Rise of Cabbage, Strawberry Season, and the Power of the Farmer’s Voice February 13, 2026This week on Fresh From the Field Fridays, Dan the Produce Man and Ross the Produce Boss welcome Caroline Lewis, founder of The Farmer’s Feed—all about reconnecting people with the farmers who actually grow their food.We dig into the cabbage trend that’s heating up in foodservice and retail, talk about why farmers need to tell […]Dan "The Produce Man" Avakian
The Produce Pair Radio Show Archives
