May's heavenly harvest
Had our third meal of asparagus tonight. Eaten within minutes of cutting, it needs only 3-4 mins of steaming and is sweet, crunchy and delicious. A total delight.
For the next few weeks, I'll eat it plain – not even any butter. By mid May, it will need some kind of accompaniment... so we'll break out the hollandaise sauce. Once that novelty's worn off, we're in trouble.
Sick of asparagus: classy sort of problem, huh?
What a dilemma - at least you are taking it home - I would cut it and eat it raw at the plot !!!
Posted by: Welsh Girls Allotment | May 01, 2008 at 10:46 PM
'Fraid that does happen, Welsh girl. Sometimes you just can't wait to get home...
Posted by: Soilman | May 01, 2008 at 10:57 PM
I just love that photo! That asparagus looks like a giant sculpture! What a wonderful dilemma too!
Posted by: Matron | May 01, 2008 at 11:33 PM
We have some asparagus growing in a flower border, but we leave it to go to flower/seed, and it's positively regal.
We did snap a couple of small bits off and eat them raw...delicious.
Posted by: Lucy @ Smallest Smallholding | May 01, 2008 at 11:58 PM
I am planning to install an asparagus patch at my mum's house for mother's day (and maybe some saffron crocus too, because then I'll truly reign as favoured child), was just wondering if you've ever had any luck or knowledge of growing it with groundcovers over the top so it's not too much of a bare, empty patch with occasional stalk/fern action? Ideally decorative, I think my mum would like to pretend it's a flower bed until it starts sending up asparagus shoots.
Posted by: Ali | May 02, 2008 at 03:56 AM
Never tried, Ali, but I don't see why that wouldn't work. Only thing with asparagus is that once you stop cutting it (mid June here, prob mid Dec in Oz), you have to let it grow to full size and 'exist' for a couple of months to renew the plant's energy for the following year. But there's no reason why you shouldn't cover the bed over winter.
Posted by: Soilman | May 02, 2008 at 06:58 AM
I'd love to have me some asparagus! Enjoy them while you can Soilman - never ever thought one would ever be sick of them though? I seem to never get enough - must be because I buy and they're kinda dear...
Posted by: Jac | May 02, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Lucky you! I have just planted some 1 year old crowns so I am looking forward to the time I am sick of eating it.
I saw bunches of organic asparagus for sale at £4.99, so I guess if you get really sick of you could start selling it.
Posted by: Amy | May 02, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Great photo - I have to wait another 2 years before I can pick mine!
Posted by: frankie | May 03, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Wow! soilman, I didnt know you can eat it raw. We have already had about 2 or 3 good pickings, pick a few then leave upright in water in the fridge till next few spears are ready. Store for up to a week like this. Need to check every couple of days, cos it sure grows quick!
Posted by: Tattyanne | May 04, 2008 at 08:17 PM
That's a great idea, Tattyanne. I've not heard of that before. I'll certainly give it a try...
Posted by: Soilman | May 04, 2008 at 08:33 PM
I think I should start an asparagus bed, the shoots look wonderful as they break the soil, and anything you can eat straight from the plot, on the plot, is a bonus.
Posted by: earthwoman | May 06, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Sadly I don't have an asparagus bed on my allotment. I do live within striking distance of Formby though, famous for its lovely asparagus which should start turning up on my local market very soon. Not as good as homegrown I'm sure, but the next best thing.
Posted by: Liz | May 07, 2008 at 08:13 AM