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Credit: Barbaraellen Koch Asparagus like this bunch grown at Bay View Farm Market in Aquebogue, is available at farmstands across the North Fork

It’s the first week of May which means it’s prime pickings for your North Fork asparagus. Here’s four facts about the spring veggie, available now at farmstands across the North Fork.

Credit: Barbaraellen Koch Popeye may love spinach, but we bet he eats his asparagus too.
Credit: Barbaraellen Koch
Popeye may love spinach, but we bet he eats his asparagus too.

1. The harvest is looking pretty in 2014, even if it’s behind

A healthy rainfall means healthy looking crops, said Bay View Farm Market owner Paul Reeve.

“The crop’s looking good,” Mr. Reeve said. “We can’t complain.”

But asparagus, and strawberries too, are about ten days late, Mr. Reeve said. He attributed it to the bitter winter.

Credit: Barbaraellen Koch Fresh asparagus is available at Bay View Farm market in Aquebogue.
Credit: Barbaraellen Koch
Fresh asparagus is available at Bay View Farm market in Aquebogue.

2. It takes three growing seasons before it can be harvested.

The first year of growing asparagus, it just isn’t any good. The second, it’s getting better. But it’s not until the third year that you will get a bountiful bunch ripe for steaming, sautéing or simmering.

“After two years you can harvest it lightly,” Mr. Reeve said. “The third year you can harvest it completely.”

Credit: Barbaraellen Koch Asparagus like this bunch grown at Bay View Farm Market in Aquebogue, is available at farmstands across the North Fork
Credit: Barbaraellen Koch
Asparagus like this bunch grown at Bay View Farm Market in Aquebogue, is available at farmstands across the North Fork

3. It grows perennially for 20 years.

The crop of nine to 10 acres at Bay View has been harvested for close to two decades, Mr. Reeve said. That’s why they have planted an additional three acres to be ready in the next few years.

farm stand asparagus carrie

4. You can get it delivered — if you live in Riverhead.

Goodale Farms in Aquebogue is running a special this week and for $30 you get one pound of fresh asparagus, one package of pasteurized pork chops, one package of Italian sausage or ground breakfast sausage, one package of fresh brown eggs and pick two: cheese, milk, yogurt or horseradish. Orders must be placed by 9 a.m. Friday and picked up by noon that day or delivered in Riverhead.

Call 631-901-5975 to place an order.

 

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