Everybody Loves California Figs!

Joel Hastings•everybodylovescaliforniafigs.com

A series of interviews with California Fig lovers – from growers to chefs to retailers to dietitians – celebrating the quality, nutrients, and benefits of California grown figs. This series covers everything from sustainable growing practices and health benefits of California Figs to the many uses of California Figs, including many great snack and meal ideas. After listening, you will be hungry and informed!

Last refreshed: July 18th, 2025 at 7:46 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Elaine Magee, Wellness Corporate Dietitian at Albertsons Companies on 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.

Apr 05, 2021•27 min•Ep. 7

Paul and Kathy Mesple of Henry Mesple Farms talk about their fig orchards in California's Central Valley and why California figs continue to grow in popularity.

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!

Feb 10, 2021•24 min•Ep. 6

Kevin and Diane Herman offer much insight and experience in farming and farm management.

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

Dec 08, 2020•31 min•Ep. 5

Award-winning nutritionist and author Michelle Dudash, talks about the nutritional benefits of California Fresh and Dried Figs

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.

Oct 19, 2020•18 min•Ep. 4

Award-winning chef Robert Del Grande believes California Figs make it easy to be a better cook.

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.

Sep 22, 2020•15 min•Ep. 3

Kris Caputo, Marketing Director of the California Fig Advisory Board, talks about the fig flavor experience and its numerous uses, the export market, and ways to enjoy this unique fruit.

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.

Aug 14, 2020•20 min•Ep. 3

Karla Stockli, CEO of the California Fig Advisory Board, explains the industry, market, and why the fig is gaining in popularity.

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.

Jul 06, 2020•22 min•Ep. 1

Hosted on Buzzsprout

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android