Curtis Aikens

TV Personality & Cookbook Author

You can't help but wanting to hug Curtis Aikens, whose enthusiasm and love of food and people is contagious. And if you've seen his TV shows (currently airing on the Food Network, 8:00 am PST) you know that Curtis is the king of huggers, and the prince of produce.

Early Years

Curtis' love for food was born at his mother's side in their Conyers, Georgia kitchen, where traditional Southern soul food - high in fat and calories - were his early inspirations. When this love of food metabolized into a weight problem, Curtis first gave up eating red meat. Although he discovered that it wasn't the red meat that was the problem (and that exercise was very necessary), he didn't miss the red meat and decided to explore the world of meatless meals.

A vacation in California, which led to Curtis' relocating to the Northern part of the state, further inspired and helped ease the way for Curtis to not only fully embrace a culinary world of fresh fruits and vegetables, but led to the opening of Peaches, his first produce company.

Moving to New York, Curtis ran the produce departments at the legendary gourmet grocer Balduccis and Dom's Wholesale Market, serving clients such as the famed Plaza Hotel, and the cafeteria at the United Nations. Returning to Georgia in the late 80's Curtis started Aikens' Family Produce, and began writing a weekly newspaper column on fruits and vegetables. The overwhelming response led to a spot on television's "Georgia's Greengrocer" and his career as a television personality was launched.

Current Projects

His first book, Curtis Aikens' Guide to the Harvest (Peachtree) was published in 1993, at about the same time he signed a contract with ABC-TV to become the produce expert on the Home Show. He had long since decided that in order to be the best produce man, he would have to make vegetables the focal point of his eating, cooking, and teaching. After becoming a vegetarian, he was able to develop hundreds of recipes leading to his 1995 book, Curtis Cooks with Heart and Soul (Hearst Books).

Recognition

Today, Curtis Aikens is the host of the TV Food Network's "Pick of the Day," which showcases his talents including selecting, storing, and using fresh produce. Recognized as a health food expert, chef, and consumer food advocate, Curtis doesn't let his busy schedule interfere with raising his two sons and helping people to overcome illiteracy, a struggle he himself once faced. Fifty percent of the royalties from his first book are donated to literacy groups throughout the United States.

Curtis just "loves fruits and vegetables." He credits his love to the light cooking techniques he learned while living in California and to the home cooking tips he learned from his mother. Take a cue from Curtis -- feed yourself with at least 8 hugs a day and nourish yourself, your family and friends on a wonderful healthy diet of fruits and vegetables.