Lily’s Roasted Corn

Gilberto and Griselda Nunez
77 Clifton Drive
Watsonville, CA 95076
831-763-6959

Markets: Aptos.

Products: Corn on the cob and baked potatoes.

History/Philosophy: I believe in being the best one can be with what one has. I grew up on an artichoke farm in the mid-70s. My dad was no novice at farming. Like my grandfather, my dad learned to farm at a young age. He grew corn on a small farm on the outskirts of Guadalajara—a farm he still owns today. Growing corn sounds simple, but believe me, there's more to it than meets the eye! Fortunately, my dad was good at it. Then fate brought him to manage a small artichoke farm in Watsonville owned by an Italian family, the Delfinos. As a kid I observed how important quality, freshness and most of all, service, were in the produce business.

The years passed and all nine children in our family married and went their separate ways. My parents retired and moved back to Mexico. About four years ago, my sister, who was living in San Antonio, TX at the time, came up with the idea of selling corn and potatoes after seeing a Corn Roaster machine. Soon after, five of my seven sisters started businesses selling corn and potatoes at flea markets and farmers markets. I was eventually convinced to give it a try. In December, 2006 I got my chance thanks to participate at the Aptos Farmers Market thanks to Catherine Barr and the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets. My philosophy regarding our business is simple—try best with what you have, and don't forget quality, freshness and good service.