Show 254, December 30, 2017: Melissa’s Robert Schueller (a.k.a “The Prince of Produce”)

Melissa's Robert Schueller at the SoCal Restaurant Show 5th AnniversaryFruits and vegetables are delightfully moving to the center of the plate in more and more restaurants. Chef are intrigued with the possibilities. What produce items were hot in 2017? What’s now trending for 2018? Our resident Prince of Produce, the esteemed Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce, joins us with all the delicious and farm-fresh intel.

Kiwano Melon is one of the Top 10 specialty produce items for 2017 based on sales. Once grown only in New Zealand, Melissa’s Kiwano Melons are now grown in California as well. Consumers are drawn to these intriguing, yet versatile tropical fruits whose look easily captures attention. The spiky, orange colored shells of Kiwano Melons encase a soft, succulent bright green flesh. Melissa’s Kiwano Melons are mild in flavor and similar in taste to juicy, seed-filled cucumbers. Once peeled, Melissa’s Kiwano Melons can be tossed in fresh fruit salads or served as a garnish with roasted meats.

There is a new, exciting variety of Dragon Fruit coming into the marketplace from Ecuador. It’s pleasantly sweet and yellow-skinned.

 

Show 254, December 30, 2017: Melissa’s Robert Schueller (a.k.a “The Prince of Produce”) Continued…

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA StudioFruits and vegetables are delightfully moving to the center of the plate in more and more restaurants. Chef are intrigued with the possibilities.What’s now trending for 2018? Did you know Jackfruit is one of the most visible fruits on the internet?

Melissa’s Jackfruit is the world’s largest tree fruit, averaging between 15 and 33 pounds per fruit. This large fruit grows directly out of the trunk or branches. The exterior of the Jackfruit is covered with spiny, knobby bumps and is green in color.

Jackfruit can also be enjoyed unripe, cooked in various recipes. The flesh of the Jackfruit can be used in desserts, as well. The many seeds in the Jackfruit are sensational when roasted, similar to a chestnut in flavor.

Don’t overlook the Cherimoya. This heart-shaped sub-tropical fruit from Melissa’s will leave you pleasantly surprised with its tasteful blend of pineapple, pear, lemon, mango and strawberry flavors. On the outside, the Cherimoya has a pale green, shingled skin that must be handled with care to avoid bruising. Inside, the ivory-colored flesh of the Cherimoya is creamy (similar to a ripe peach) and contains several black inedible seeds.

Originally grown by Inca farmers in Ecuador and Peru, the Cherimoya is now savored world-wide. Pollination is done by hand to ensure an abundant crop.

Our resident Prince of Produce, the esteemed Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce, now continues with all the delicious and farm-fresh intel.

Show 152, December 26, 2015: Robert Schueller, Resident Produce Authority, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce Part Two

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA StudioRobert returns with more helpful Fall & Winter produce tips.

First up are Variety Onions. In this category are Pearls, Boilers and Cipollini onions. Cipollini onions are the only sweet onions of the season.

Robert concludes with a discussion of Variety Potatoes. The show-stopper here is DYPs (dutch yellow potatoes) from Iowa. A year-round standard at Melissa’s. Already roasted and packaged DYPs are a popular new item from Melissa’s. Ruby Golds are a cousin of DYPs. Also Mixed Fingerlings.