Show 680, May 23, 2026: Summer Seasonal Entertaining with Robert Schueller, Melissa’s Produce Guru

Posted on May 25, 2026 by Adam Bell

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA Studio

It’s the start of the great BBQ & Grilling season. Some of the great specialty produce items to consider for Memorial Day Weekend and Father’s Day are Baby Dutch Potatoes, Hatch Sweet Onions, Rhubarb, Harry’s Berries Strawberries, Variety Watermelons (mini, yellow and orange,) Ojai Pixie Tangerines (season ends soon) and Colada Royale Pineapples from Honduras.

Melissa’s has appealing, home-kitchen tested recipes for Memorial Day Weekend, Father’s Day and 4th of July on their easy-to-navigate website.

Melissa’s well-informed “Prince of Produce,” Robert Schueller, is our well-informed guide.

Show 437, August 7, 2021: Robert Schueller of Melissa’s / World Variety Produce – “Prince of Produce”

Posted on August 8, 2021 by Adam Bell

Robert Schueller of Melissa’s (our resident prince of Produce) presented two informative talks on the Culinary Stage in the OC Pavilion on Opening Day at the 2021 OC Fair. On the menu were California Specialty Fruit Crops and California Specialty Vegetable Crops. When Robert was with us last month we ran out of time before he could highlight California Vegetable Specialty Crops. We’ll pick up the conversation with that. Think rhubarb, heirloom tomatoes, artichokes, and Melissa’s Steamed Line of ready to enjoy beets, chickpeas and lentils.

Also it’s now the short Hatch Chile season. Robert will talk about area chile roastings and Melissa’s all-new Hatch Pepper Cookbook with over 100 inspiring (and home-kitchen tested) recipes.

MMelissa’s Produce is featured in many cooking demonstrations on the Main Stage in the OC Pavilion, the site of the major culinary happenings. For the run of The Fair (through August 15th) they will be showcased in the Rare Fruit Growers exhibit located in the Centennial Farms area.

Show 382, July 18, 2020: Robert Schueller, Produce Authority, Melissa’s World Variety Produce Part Two

Posted on July 19, 2020 by Adam Bell

Lots of fresh deliciousness going on in the wide world of specialty produce as it’s now Summer. Our own resident produce guru, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s, continues with us to chat about the pick of the season’s best for fruits and vegetables.

We’re moving down the produce aisle and on the shopping list are Shishito Peppers, Rhubarb, and the fresh Hatch Chile season (starting in early August.)

For over 100 years family-owned farms have grown Hatch peppers in New Mexico’s Mesilla Valley. These peppers are bound to the land and simply won’t grow the same way anywhere else. Hatch Chiles are thick, meaty and rich, and are often called the world’s tastiest peppers.

In addition to the area store roastings of fresh Hatch Chiles new is Hatch Popcorn, Hatch Kettle Corn and a line of fresh Hatch Salsas.

Show 115, March 21, 2015: Produce Guru Robert Schueller, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Adam Bell

Spring is here so the time is right to get an authoritative overview of the highlights in Spring produce. Our favorite produce savant, Robert Schueller, of Melissa’s World Variety Produce is with us to share what’s really fresh from the fields.

We’ll be talking about Kale, Kumquats, Rhubarb and Ojai Pixie Tangerines with a few practical cooking tips added for good measure.

The Tuscan Kale (Black, Dino and Laci) is a favorite of chefs in addition to common, flowering and Kale Sprouts.

Robert shares his Grandmother’s recipe for breaking down Rhubard on the stove top and easily creating a delightful Rhubarb spread. It’s even quick and easy…

The recipe for the incredible Strawberry-Rhubarb Muffins topped with Pixie Tangerine Butter Cream and a Pixie Tangerine segment is on the Melissa’s website.