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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.