As Jake Sterino holds a stack of hand-written letters from customers pleading with him to re-open the much-beloved produce stand, it is clear the community has missed his locally grown, farm fresh produce. But fortunately, the fourth generation family-run farm is listening to its loyal customers. On May 1, Sterino Farms opened a brand new produce stand featuring fresh, local produce sold at a fair price.
“We have a commitment to stay ahead of the curve and grow some of the best produce we can,” - Jake Sterino
This month, the stand will feature rhubarb, leeks, lettuce and more seasonal items, along with gourmet pastas, olive oils, hanging baskets of flowers – just in time for Mother’s Day – and much more.
All produce will be in-season, and the products available at the produce stand will more often than not have been harvested that same day. Much of the produce found in the typical grocery store was harvested an average of 16 days prior due to the time it takes to cool, package, ship and distribute each item, Sterino said. “We harvest and sell our produce the same day, which just tastes better,” he said.
As one of the few local farmers left in a region once known for its agriculture, Sterino simply attributes his farm’s success and longevity to a commitment to quality. “We have a commitment to stay ahead of the curve and grow some of the best produce we can,” Sterino said.
Quality is something Sterino knows firsthand after watching his grandfather and father build the business. Over the decades, customers have become increasingly interested not only in quality, but also in where their produce is coming from. And each Sterino Farms product sold at the produce stand or at the local grocery stores will be as fresh as can be. Sterino farms nearly 700 acres from Fife to Orting, and remains dedicated to keeping the business going as one of the few family-run farms with longstanding roots in the region.
The produce market will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through mid-June, and until 8 p.m. through the fall.
The Sterino Farms produce market is located at 6116 52nd St. E. in Puyallup.