An annual treat

 

In this southwestern London neighbourhood the early bird gets the asparagus, at least in late spring. The small, totally open at the front, shed-like structure sits empty most of the year. But annually, in late May and and stretching into early June, a large "open" sign announces to the world that locally grown asparagus is again available.

The fields are small and located immediately behind the little wooden structure. The asparagus is good but there isn't a lot. It goes on sale daily at nine and it is gone by noon. The asparagus grown at Greenland is special. 95% of the asparagus sold in Ontario is one hybrid, a variety developed at the University of Guelph called Guelph Millennium.

Greenland asparagus is a heritage variety. Many believe it is sweeter than the asparagus sold at the local grocery stores. What no one can dispute is that it is fresher. Greenland asparagus is picked every morning  and with luck it is sitting in a little water in one's fridge just an hour or two later. One never peels Greenland asparagus. It is tender. Guaranteed.

I have wondered how long until the asparagus fields are a feature from the past and suburban housing fills the former fields. According to the family that owns the little farm, it isn't going to happen any time soon. Wonderful!