Initially, Zee was just growing tomatoes and bell peppers; the typical things other nurseries sold. In her own backyard, however, she was growing Okra, Amaranth, Mallow, and many other heritage vegetables. The inspiration came when her mom and grandma were in disbelief that all of these heritage crops could be grown in California. They had not seen Amaranth in twenty-five years since coming to the U.S. This made Zee go on a quest to track down seeds that were not so readily available here. The following Spring, Zee applied to the Fremont Farmer’s Market, and that’s where her nursery journey truly began.

This year, J & P Cosentino Family Farm will be celebrating their 80th anniversary the weekend of June 20 - 22, 2025 in time to celebrate Summer Solstice. The preservation of this family farm feels like such a blessing in the midst of diminishing agricultural land in lieu of cemented roads, offices, and apartment buildings. As one of the last farms standing in San Jose, it has become a supportive community hub hosting farm kitchen pop-ups, guest pop-ups, watercolor classes, farm tours, picnics and much more.