The Search for Stalks

As April approaches each year, it conjures from the earth the most verdant vanguard of vegetables - asparagus. These tender spears of spring emerge annually as an emblem of the season's awakening. When the temperature transitions away from the chill of winter, asparagus begins its ascension from the earth, slender stalks stretching skyward as a signal of renewal in a symphony of shades, from emerald to jade. 

While asparagus may be available year round at the grocery store these days, there’s no substitution for the flavour of fruits and vegetables at the height of their seasonality. Adhering to the rhythms of the natural world means that awaiting the abundance is half the fun for aficionados who relish the anticipation almost as much as the arrival, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to adorn their springtime dishes with its delicate yet delectable essence.

As April turns to May, the allure of asparagus continues to amplify, popping up in farmer’s markets and farm stores all over Huron County. Asparagus really makes its mark in May - the harvest reaches its zenith, bringing forth a crescendo of culinary creativity. Chefs and cooks find ways to incorporate asparagus into an array of appetizing appetizers and mouth watering mains. Its tender texture and fresh flavour pair well with almost everything - even the most simple preparations have the ability to elevate the most humble of dishes into a memorable meal. 

As June begins its journey, it signals the impending end of asparagus season, as the succulent stalks succumb to the sun's strengthening rays. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, asparagus takes its leave, retreating until the next spring's seasonal symphony needs asparagus to add its aromatic accent to the annual arrival of spring.

Since the subtle flavour of asparagus is optimal when it’s been harvested recently, the best place to pick up some of these spiky little stalks is from as close to the source as possible. Luckily, Huron County has its fair share of farm stores and produce stands that sell directly to customers looking to connect with the seasonality of the area’s agricultural landscape.  

Part of the fun of asparagus season is never knowing exactly where you’re going to find it. Even though asparagus tends to grow very quickly, it also takes several years for a patch to become fully established. This and other environmental factors mean that it can be hard to predict where asparagus is going to turn up first. Demand is also high, and supplies often sell out quickly.

Planning to find asparagus can lead to disappointment, but that makes it all the more exciting when you do come across some at the height of its season! It’s such a versatile vegetable, and you’ll have no trouble finding just the right thing to pair with it for a simple, special Spring meal that’s sure to create some lasting Huron County memories. Here are a few ideas for farm stores to visit, just to get you started!

Lucknow - Meeting Place Organic Farm (www.meetingplaceorganicfarm.ca), 86016 Creek Line, RR1, Lucknow. This multigenerational family farm got its start with an orchard of apple trees and a team of draft horses. They’ve steadily added variety to their land stewardship project, and now sell fresh organic vegetables, meat and plants to lucky folks all over Ontario. This spring they hope to be selling their organic asparagus at their brand new store on the farm, which the McQuail family plans to open in mid-May. Meeting Place also carries the number one accoutrement for asparagus - butter. And it’s not just any butter - it’s 100% Jersey butter from St. Brigid’s Creamery near Brussels. St. Brigid’s is an extremely high quality butter, and while it does come with a price tag to match, everybody should try fresh spring vegetables with very good butter at least once in their lives! Select your favourite organic, pasture-raised steaks and you’ve got everything you need for a romantic meal.

Wingham - Homegrown Local Grocer, 239 Josephine St, Wingham. Homegrown Local Grocer gets a lot of its seasonal produce from its own family farm in Fordwich, but it’s also Wingham’s downtown depository for products from a wide range of other local farms. They carry fresh produce, frozen meats and fish, local cheese, artisanal preserves, bread, eggs, and so much more. If asparagus is available, you’ll find everything you need here to make a fairly effortless frittata - just dice asparagus with other seasonal vegetables, add to beaten eggs, mix in shredded or crumbled cheese, and bake!

Goderich - Maitland Market and Supply, 79988 Porter’s Hill Line, Goderich. This family-owned farmer’s market is well-known for its wide selection of reasonably priced local wares. If you find your asparagus here, you can pair it with any number of the easy to prepare Huron County classics that Maitland Market has on offer. Roasted asparagus with smoked pork chops from Metzger’s in Hensall sounds great, but so does grilled skewers of teriyaki turkey from Hayter’s in Dashwood - you can’t go wrong!

Zurich - Masse Fruit and Vegetable, 35291 Zurich Hensall Rd, Zurich. This fresh, bright, family run produce stand has everything you need to make a big, sprightly spring salad. Pick up whatever you think will pair well with asparagus here - mixed greens, spinach, berries, radishes, and as many other spring vegetables as you can handle. Blanch or shred asparagus, and toss it all together with your favourite salad dressing! 

These are just a few suggested ways to enjoy Huron County’s bounty of spring asparagus, but to be perfectly honest, there’s no wrong way to enjoy asparagus! Bon appetit!