Everybody Loves California Figs!

This episode features a lively conversation with Elaine Magee, Wellness Corporate Dietitian at Albertsons Companies. Elaine recently discovered her love for California Figs and shares how she and her shoppers enjoy them best. Follow Elaine on Instagram @therecipedoctor for more.

Paul and Kathy Mesple of Henry Mesple Farms know and love California Figs. Paul's grandfather planted fig trees for shade many years ago and today their fig orchards are flourishing in California's Central Valley. Tune in to hear why Paul thinks figs continue to grow in popularity and Kathy's tales of running the family fruit stand. You'll hear passion and pleasure from both ends of the business spectrum!

Madera, California-based owners Kevin and Diane Herman grow fresh and dried figs. This husband and wife team grow more figs than anyone else in California. They are industry leaders who work with suppliers, processors, researchers, government officials and of course consumers themselves. In this episode, Kevin and Diane offer much insight and experience in farming and farm management and how they're passing all that knowledge on to a four

Award-winning nutritionist and Cordon Bleu-certified chef Michelle Dudash, is the guest. A cookbook author too, she shares some of her favorite, mouth-watering California Fig recipes. She talks about the nutritional benefits of California Fresh and Dried Figs and how versatile they are in meals for busy families. Her expertise and enthusiasm make this episode not to be missed.

A California native, James Beard award-winning chef Robert Del Grande believes California Figs make it easy to be a better cook. He adds figs to almost any dish and can describe the unique flavors of California Figs like no other. In this episode, Chef Del Grande provides flavor descriptions and cooking tips. You’ll leave inspired and motivated to start cooking more with California Figs.

Kris Caputo tells host Joel Hastings about the fig flavor experience and its numerous uses and ways to enjoy this unique fruit. She also discusses the demand for figs worldwide, the products’ export markets, and overall amazing demand for California Figs. Kris spotlights the recently released California Figs Cookbook and finishes with a couple of her favorite fig dishes.

In this episode, Karla Stockli describes the California Fig Advisory Board (CFAB), new technology and innovation in the industry, fig traceability, and the many new products emerging with figs. She also discusses the varieties of figs and their unique flavors. Karla talks about how figs provide solutions in new product development and trades favorite California Fig dishes with host Joel Hastings.