SAN FRANCISCO, CA—This month, BeyondWonderful.com will once again showcase the work of Dan “The Produce Man” Avakian. A permanent member of the Beyond Wonderful expert panel, Dan is a 30-year veteran of the California produce business. His monthly columns share insider tips on what’s good, what’s not good and how to get quality produce every time. “I’m thrilled to be working with Dan,” says Beyond Wonderful’s creator and host, Barbara Adams. “He’s got it all—the industry experience, the technical knowledge and a style that gets people really excited about produce.”
Dan’s latest columns include an article on pumpkins, an exploration of fall pomegranates, and a close look at pears. Each lively story includes fascinating information on agricultural history, plus how-to tips for picking, prepping and storing fresh fruits and veggies. Dan often shares gems from his personal recipe files, time-tested over years spent working with California’s finest growers.
Dan discovered a passion for produce while working in an open-air market in 1976. In the course of his career, he has helped pioneer the produce program at Costco Wholesale, built the produce program for Webvan.com and made significant contributions to many other Bay Area produce operations. After 30 years in produce, Dan has recently reaped a sweet harvest, taking over ownership of the very market where he got his start in the business. Dan’s Fresh Produce is located at 2300 Central Avenue in Alameda, CA, and operates 7am–7pm.
In addition to his hands-on work in produce, Dan has also written columns for local newspapers and produced this own radio show, aired on more than 60 stations. His most recent project, “Getting Fresh with Dan the Produce Man” can be heard on www.111 Radio.com. Dan has made several appearances as guest host on Rosy Chu’s Bay Area People on Cox Television, KTVU Channel 2 in Oakland, California.
Dan is one of four industry pros on Beyond Wonderful’s expert panel, which also includes Michael De Loach covering wine, Mark Todd on cheese and Catherine Christiansen on baking and pastry. Each expert’s monthly columns include recipes or serving suggestions, enhanced with inspiring professional photography.
About Barbara Adams’ Beyond Wonderful
Beyond Wonderful launched in September 2004 from the San Francisco Bay Area; an internationally renowned center for culinary innovation. The brainchild of Barbara Adams, Beyond Wonderful delivers all the color, flavor, vitality and spice of this magnificent region in an ongoing culinary adventure from farms to markets to vineyards and beyond—culminating, of course, in the kitchen. For more information, contact pr@beyondwonderful.com.
