They Call Me Produce Pete: Food, memories, and cherished family recipes from America’s favorite expert on fruit and vegetables

by “Produce Pete” Napolitano, Susan Bloom

Pete Napolitano began his career in the produce industry in the early 1950s at the tender age of five, peddling fruit and vegetables door-to-door to help support his family’s New Jersey-based produce business. “Discovered” at his store by a TV producer decades later and given the moniker “Produce Pete,” he’s since become a fixture on WNBC’s Weekend Today in New York show, where his tips on selecting, storing, and preparing various produce items – all shared in his authentic, endearing, and plain-speaking style – have captivated viewers in metro New York and other U.S. and international markets for 30 years and rendered him one of the longest-running segments in TV history.

In They Call Me Produce Pete, Napolitano shares candid memories of growing up poor in post-WWII America, striving to achieve the American Dream, and landing unexpected fame as one of the nation’s leading experts on produce. Sprinkled with touching stories, photos, and family recipes that have held a special place in his heart throughout his life, They Call me Produce Pete is a nostalgic nod to simpler times and a must-read for anyone who dares to dream the impossible.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2023

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a touching and heartfelt read. The author did an incredible job of writing in a way that made the memoir feel personal and engaging all at once. The author’s story speaks to so many different people, from those who grew up in post-WW2 America to those who have worked in food, in particular with produce, and even those who have worked in the television field.

The balance the author struck between personal life stories and memories with the behind-the-scenes look at his career and the family recipes that have held a special place in his heart was heartwarming to read about. The honesty and passionate way the author relayed his story to the reader spoke to the author’s storied career, and yet showcased the man behind “Produce Pete” in a brilliant way. I loved how personal and memorable each recipe the author included felt to the tapestry of his life story, and kept me both emotionally and intellectually invested in the author’s life.

[Amanda Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this book. It is a Fascinating look into the authors pre tv life and his parents living frugally.
I want to try the orange peel trick on the radiators to make my home smell good! I really enjoyed the pictures, It was a nice glimpse into the past. The recipes added are a nice touch, I will definitely be trying a few! I highly recommend this book, looking into the life of someone who has had many experiences.

At the end what Pete says is true. luxuries and other comforts wont necessarily make you happy in life. they are just tools, true happiness comes from within. And even hard upbringings can be good, they make us who we are.

Food really does bring many good memories.

-Alex Puffle Reviews

[Reanin Mcroberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

great guy great book. loved his stories about growing up in some of the towns i lived in. i found the recipes were really complementary and achievable. remember watching him as a little kid and i always loved produce!!

[Enez Paganuzzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story of hard-working immigrants who raised an incredible man! Pete, your parents are smiling down on you. Kudos to Bette who is your rock. Now, I need some good greens and one of Bette’s yummy dishes to eat.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is heartfelt and honest. Parts made me laugh and parts made me cry. Produce Pete is a great human being. I really enjoyed his story.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ stars! Very enjoyable, lots of anecdotes, photos, recipes :)

[AMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super quick and fun to read about a guy i watch each week

[Emmanuel Vozos · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you know Produce Pete, then you already know you’re gonna like this book.