Show 283, July 28, 2018: Melissa’s Robert Schueller, Variety Summer Grapes

Melissa's Robert Schueller at the SoCal Restaurant Show 5th AnniversaryIt’s a great time to chat about cool and refreshing Summer fruits with our resident produce authority, The Prince of Produce, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. Variety Summer California Grapes are trending.

A late-season variety grape with an extremely high sugar content, the Candy Sweets® name describes its great flavor! Though petite in size, this amber-green seedless grape has a big taste that makes it an excellent kids snack or lunchbox favorite. Serve a bunch or two on a party platter; this grape’s firm, crunchy texture and sweetness plays well against any extra sharp cheese. Choose grapes that are firm, with no bruises, decay or shatter (loose grapes that have fallen off the stem). Vine stems should to be green and pliable, never dried out.

Robert provides us with a great tip on enjoying these seasonal grapes for a longer period than the short time they are available fresh. Surprisingly they freeze well. Freeze them as whole clusters for best results.

Also the incredible Hatch Chile season will launch the first week in August. These flavorful peppers are exclusively grown in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico and are only available annually for a short season in August and part of September. They are considered by discriminating chile aficionados to be the best peppers in the world. We’ll get a fiery preview. More on Hatch Chiles and where to find a local store roasting on the upcoming August 11th show.