Produce Picker Podcast

Episode 21 - Cherimoya

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:32:53 +0000

The Cherimoya fruit, also known as Custard Apple, is considered the "treasure of the tropics."With flavors of pineapple, papaya, and banana, this fruit is certainly one of a kind and worth a try. Just a sniff of its wonderfully custard aromas will have you wanting to cut into it and take a bite.Learn how to pick out the best, ripe Cherimoya at the store and how to store this fruit once you get home.Enjoyed simply out of hand of blended into a delicious smoothie, the Cherimoya is one fruit you'll want to taste for yourself.

Episode 20 - Watermelon

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:59:28 +0000

Episode 20 - WatermelonOn this episode learn how to choose, what might be the most difficult fruit to pick right, the watermelon.The watermelon is approximately 92 percent water and for this reason it's important to choose watermelons that are heavy for their size, very heavy!Watermelons possess many clues that you can feel, hear, and see which tell you whether or not they are ripe. Most important of these are a watermelon's shape, weight, and the sound it makes when tapped.In order to perform the "thump" test (the test that allows you to hear if a melon is ripe) you must follow a few basic steps. First you want to make sure you are holding the melon away from your body. Next use an open hand to tap the watermelon as you would a bongo drum. Finally listen for a sound that is similar to a bongo drum except with a slightly deeper sound. This technique is a skill as well as an art and the more times you perform it, the better you'll get at picking ripe watermelons.All of these tips, tricks, and techniques require practice. Try to find as many of these tips as possible in each watermelon you choose but don't feel the need to find them all in each and every melon. The more clues you can find to a watermelon's ripeness the better your chance of getting that perfect melon will be. Get out there and practice but most of all enjoy!

Episode 19 - Mangosteen

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:15:00 +0000

On this episode of the Produce Picker Podcast we take a look at a particularly exotic fruit, the Mangosteen.Learn how to pick, open, and eat a Mangosteen. This delicious fruit is relatively new to the U.S. and is still hard to find. However, if you are able to buy one of these, it's worth a try.The Mangosteen has a citrus like flavor and is quite refreshing. The inside looks like a white tangerine but has its own unique taste.Much like the pomegranate, blueberry, and cranberry the Mangosteen is very high in antioxidants which is sure to make a much sought after fruit in the future. Ask your local produce person to order you some Mangosteen today and give them a try, you won't be disappointed.Special thanks to my friends at Frieda's Produce for sending us a case to sample and feature on our show!

Episode 18 - Banana Tips!

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:27:44 +0000

On this episode I demonstrate three of my favorite tips regarding bananas. Can you put bananas in the refrigerator? How about putting them in the freezer?Learn how to extend the life of your bananas and a tip that is simple yet somewhat magical. It really works!These tips and more on this episode of the Produce Picker Podcast.

Episode 17 - Persimmons

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:51:31 +0000

On this episode I take a look at the persimmon, specifically the Fuyu variety. Learn the two main types of persimmons and which type you can eat out of hand and which you need to cook. Come learn about this great Fall fruit that you might have overlooked.

Episode 16 - Picking Pumpkins - A Halloween Special

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:34:33 +0000

In this episode of the Produce Picker Podcast, we leave the kitchen and head outside to the pumpkin patch to find out how kids would pick the perfect pumpkin!

Episode 14 - Cactus Pear

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:31:21 +0000

On this episode I take a look at the cactus pear or prickly pear fruit. It has many names but its own unique flavor. This episode will introduce you to the cactus pear and show you the best way to peel and eat it.

Episode 13 - Kiwano Melon

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Mon, 05 May 2008 01:17:45 +0000

In this episode of The Produce Picker Podcast I introduce you to a unique, tropical fruit, the Kiwano Melon.Enjoy the many uses of the Kiwano or just use it as a conversation piece. Either way the Kiwano is an interesting and fun fruit.

Episode 12 - Produce Bob's Seasonal Picks (audio only)

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:14:00 +0000

Another installment of Produce Bob's Seasonal Picks. This time Ray The Produce Picker and Produce Bob discuss the transition from winter fruits and veggies to spring produce.This episode focuses on the artichoke and mango. Join us and learn something you didn't know about both of these wonderful, in season produce items.

Episode 11 - Product Demo - OXO Apple Divider

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 22:53:46 +0000

The first in a series of episodes where I demonstrate how to use fruit and vegetable related products. These products are designed to make the process of preparing fruits and veggies easier. I only present products which I have used at work or home and believe to be of the best quality. Each product shown will be available for purchase at producepicker.com but the main purpose of this segment is to introduce you to some of the interesting products that are available for fruits and vegetables.

Episode 10 - Produce Bob's Seasonal Picks (Enhanced Audio Podcast)

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:40:03 +0000

The Produce Picker Podcast presents Produce Bob's Seasonal Picks. An audio segment hosted by Ray "The Produce Picker" and Produce Bob Gates. Ray and Bob take you through current "in season" fruits and vegetables and Bob picks his favorites of the week. This week it's grapefruit and leeks. This episode is an enhanced audio podcast which means if you are listening to this on iTunes, pictures of the items mentioned in the show will show up in your iTunes player and you can click on the links within the pictures to be taken to outside web links.

Episode 9 - How to Choose and Cut a Cantaloupe

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:37:33 +0000

Learn how to choose that perfectly ripe cantaloupe from your local market. I also show you a fast and effective way to cut open your cantaloupe while getting the highest yield of fruit possible.

Produce Picker Podcast Promo (audio only)

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:23:46 +0000

This is an audio promotion for the Produce Picker Podcast. Feel free to distribute this to any web sites or people who you think might be interested in a show about fruits and vegetables. Thanks!Ray a.k.a. The Produce Picker

Episode 7 - How to Cut Open a Pomegranate

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 03:10:00 +0000

Learn how to cut open a pomegranate while minimizing the mess often associated with getting the seeds out of a pomegranate.

Episode 6 - Cutting a Mango

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:20:07 +0000

Learn how to cut open a mango. This tropical fruit is a delight once you know how to cut it open and get out the majority of the meat inside. Watch this video and learn how to cut a mango into cubed sized bites for eating out of hand, in a salsa, or in your favorite recipe to change things up a little. The most popular fruit worldwide (believe it or not), the mango is sure to please with its sweet taste and rich texture. Cut open a mango and enjoy all this fruit as to offer. www.ProducePicker.com

Episode 5 - Opening a Coconut

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 01:48:55 +0000

Getting into the inside of a coconut can be tough but this episode will show you an easy and quick way to crack open a coconut.

Episode 4 - Coring a Pineapple

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:55:15 +0000

Learn how to remove the core from a pineapple the way chefs do it!

Episode 3 - Avocados

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 19:08:08 +0000

Learn how to pick out that perfectly ripe avocado! These little guys can be expensive. You don't want to get home with an old one or not be able to use it in time for that party. Watch the tricks to getting the best avocado in the market.

Produce Picker Podcast ep. 2 - Watch Your Weight

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:32:31 +0000

This is a video demonstration that shows the importance of choosing the right piece of citrus. You should choose citrus that is heavy for its size or at least heavier than those around it. The heavier the citrus the more juice it contains thus providing you with the freshest piece of citrus available. Watch as I compare equal sized lemons by placing them on a digital scale. The weight of each lemon varies dramatically and is a good demonstration as to why it is important to be choosy when picking out your produce. Citrus that is substantially lighter in weight than those around it is a no no. Enjoy.

Produce Picker Podcast

Ray@ProducePicker.com (Ray Ortega a.k.a The Produce Picker) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 22:53:36 +0000

Tips and tricks to picking out the freshest produce at the market. A companion video podcast to ProducePicker.com, here we'll show you how to choose, use, and enjoy your favorite fruits and vegetables. From the seasoned cook to the everyday shopper, everyone can learn from and enjoy this weekly podcast dedicated to everything produce!