Show 109, February 7, 2015: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s, Chinese New Year Fruits & Vegetables

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety ProduceChinese New Year is February 19th to March 5th, 2015. It’s the Year of the Sheep (often called the Year of the Goat or the Ram.) During China’s most colorful and important holiday, foods take on special symbolic meanings. Fruits and vegetables are also healthy and delicious.

Our resident produce expert, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s / World Variety Produce, joins us with a tasty overview of fruits and vegetables which are part of Chinese New Year. For example symbolic citrus includes Buddha’s Hand (happiness, longevity, good fortune,) Kumquats (gold, good fortune,) Mandarins (wealth,) Oranges (wealth, good fortune, gold,) Pummelos (abundance, prosperity,) and Tangerines (luck.)

He’ll also tell us where to find some easy-to-prepare Martin Yan recipes to enjoy at home to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Show 39, August 24, 2013: Farmer Duane Gillis and Robert Schueller from Melissa’s.

Duane Gillis is a career farmer based in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico. He is a 4th generation farmer growing Hatch Chiles. This is the only place in the world where these coveted chiles are grown.

Hatch Chiles have a fast growing cycle. They are planted in the Spring and then fully mature in August.

One fresh medium-sized Hatch Chile pod has a much Vitamin C as contained in six oranges!

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety ProduceRobert Schueller is the long-time resident produce expert at Melissa’s. If it’s a fruit or vegetable he’s difficult to stump. He provided all the stats on Hatch Chiles.

Hatch Chiles are unusually grown in the full spectrum of hotness. You go from mild to extra hot!