Party guests prepare horseradish in 2015. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)
There’s an annual party that occurs each spring in Riverhead that people will tell you is the best foodie event on the North Fork.
It’s not hosted by a local chef or winery and there’s no advertising budget associated with it. It’s not even really open to the public. (more…)
Edgar Goodale (from left), Jim Creighton, Tom Kowalsick and Greg Goodale shared a laugh as they peel roots. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)
There was a lot of camaraderie and laughter among horseradish aficionados as they peeled, scraped and chopped roots during the 46th annual Horseradish Party at Long Ireland Beer Company in Polish Town Wednesday afternoon.
Credit: Katharine Schroeder Photo
On a breezy afternoon in Riverhead last week, Charlie Tesauro made a pit stop at Schmitt’s Family Farm on Sound Avenue to stock up on horseradish, his favorite spicy condiment.
“I love it with clams on the half shell, shrimp,” said the West Islip resident and Cambridge Paving Stones manager, who was on his way to a North Fork job site. “I would highly recommend it to anybody. It’s the best stuff I’ve ever tasted.” (more…)
Matt Schmitt and worker Guzman Martinez grinding the horseradish roots in the grinder in his commercial kitchen in Riverhead. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)
How much do you know about horseradish, the rugged, curiously shaped root?
Take our northforker quiz to find out! (more…)
George McDowell of Mattituck takes his turn grinding the horseradish roots grimacing as it stings his eyes. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch photos)
The North Fork’s “official” horseradish bash might still be a fews weeks away, but old school Riverhead residents knew where to find the original party on Wednesday afternoon. (more…)
Matt Schmitt with the Holy Schmitt’s Homemade Horseradish. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)
Fourth generation farmer Matt Schmitt, 30, of Riverhead’s Philip A. Schmitt and Son Inc., watched his grandfather and father harvest the first crop of early spring — the horseradish root. In the 1980’s they grew about 25 acres and sold to wholesale markets distributed in time for Easter and Passover. (more…)