The Resendiz Fruit Barn is one of the most attractive roadside fruit stands I’ve ever seen.

The produce is perfectly arranged in little baskets. I asked Francisco if he thought he was too picky and he said, "I don’t think I’m too picky. This is not for me. This is for all the customers. My customers deserve the best that I can give them."

The Resendiz family gives the not-so-perfect (but still very good) fruit away to the Salvation Army and the Community Church. The family takes great pride in the absolute freshness of its produce. For example, tomatoes are available year-round; strawberries, April to June; red onions, May-June, etc.

A paragraph in their brochure really sums up this family’s work ethic: "The whole Resendiz family can be seen hard at work throughout the season. Francisco in ten places at once, trying to get ten things done, usually succeeds. Gregoria you will find working in the store almost every day. Diego and Diana spend many hours in the store and behind the scenes. Frankie works occasionally, but mostly entertains us."

The bakery can make desserts for large or small groups. The family also makes "to order" fruit baskets. The Resendiz Fruit Barn is located at 4342 Geer at Santa Fe, Hughson, CA 95326. It’s just south of Modesto. You can call "the barn" at (209) 606-7380.

If you have comments or questions about this story, please E-mail Producer/Reporter Pat McConahay at pmcconah@kvie.org.