it's that time of year, when the lovely little asparagus nubs begin to burst forth from the soil. on a warm, sunny day, you could probably lie there in the garden and actually watch them grow up out of the rich, black earth. mouth watering as you imagine a pat of butter melting over them, a few crystals of flaky salt sprinkled upon them.dad has a huge asparagus patch and during high season can pick bucketfuls a day. giving them away and mom freezes some. but, it's best eaten fresh at every meal (unless it activates your gout) during that short but blissful season.
i remember as a kid, one of the major delights of spring was going asparagus hunting. finding those spots in bovee where someone long, long ago planted a few roots and fed their family on the brilliant green shoots. it was such a delight finding a spot in the ditch where you could see a few of last year's dried stalks and you knew that down at their base you'd find a sign of spring, bursting forth. it felt so delicious, getting such a delicacy for free. there was another place south and west of town where we always hunted asparagus as well, tho' i can't remember the name of it. it was a regular spring ritual, one i so looked forward to, year after year.
as barbara kingsolver says in animal, vegetable, miracle, "Respecting the dignity of a spectacular food means enjoying it at its best." and asparagus is at its best right now. what are you waiting for, go eat some!!!
