Just curious: asparagus ...

[shaun-in-to]

Here in Canada, and I expect in much of the northern half of the U.S., winter asparagus is crap. Every time I see an asparagus recipe in a winter issue of Gourmet or another mag, I want to write a letter about seasonal, local blah blah blah. So I'm curious: except probably southern California, where it's growing, or where you're close enough to Mexico, where else is asparagus good in winter? Or do people just buy it anyway and get used to its substandard quality? (Like those cardboard strawberries...)

 

[aajay]

You're right. I always want to slap those smug sun belt foodies who say you should only use "fresh

local sesonal food". That's easy for them to say but I live in New England and the only seasonal food we would have at this time would be a few turnips left in the ground. There is no local seasonal food for us until next May if we're lucky and then its just lettuce. I sympathize.

 

[Marg CDN]

Shaun, have you tried the Peruvian? ANd the white from Peru?

 

[junebug]

When we lived in upstate NY, I had exactly the same thought! We could have fresh venison anytime,

but no produce.

 

[joe]

Forgive my ignorance, but has Costco invaded Canada yet? I bought asparagus there this week

that was wonderful. I'm in California so perhaps it's a local thing. I don't think Trader Joe's is yours yet but they have year-round asparagus of very good quality. Of course it's better in early spring but it's fine the rest of the year.

If you're hungry for recipes for turnips, rutabegas, collards, cabbage, carrots or parsnips I have dozens, and I'd be happy to post them. The winter is so short here that I can't get to them all. I'm not gloating, I would love a little snow!

 

[mimi]

Yes it has. Not anywhere near me though!

 

[mimi]

Just adding my voice to this thread...ME TOO!!

 

[aajay]

Sorry Joe, even TJ's produce is tired. in New England. And even all those root

veggies you mentioned have long been in storage. And after the first frost we'll have to get those mythical turnips out of the ground too, or at least I've been told. I've been to TJs in Ca. and while it's great here it's just not the same.

 

[clofthwld]

You're right, but I still need my asparagus. I usually serve winter

veggies of most kinds with a sauce. A quick blender hollandaise is always nice; soy, sesame oil & garlic is another. I do a lot of tempura. I get by, but there's nothing like fresh veggies and asparagus is my fave.