Asparagus -- The Essence of Spring From the Source, a Biweekly Column Focusing On the Yakima Valley's Agricultural Bounty, Is Written by Jennifer Martinkus with Assistance From Derrin Davis. The Sister and Brother Are West Valley Natives. She May Be Contacted by E-Mail at Jcmartinkus@Yahoo.Com.

Summary

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For those of us who gauge the changing seasons by favorite seasonal harvests, the first tender, vibrant green asparagus stalks herald the arrival of spring. Native to the Eastern Mediterranean, asparagus was once a delicacy reserved only for royalty and other members of the elite. Now, asparagus is a luxury we can all enjoy, bringing a touch of elegance to spring and summer menus.

Actually a member of the lily family, asparagus is one of very few common vegetables that grow so readily they can be harvested at the roadside. Throughout our Valley, they can also be found growing wild along ditch banks and throughout fruit orchards.

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Extract

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Asparagus -- The Essence of Spring From the Source, a Biweekly Column Focusing On the Yakima Valley's Agricultural Bounty, Is Written by Jennifer Martinkus with Assistance From Derrin Davis. The Sister and Brother Are West Valley Natives. She May Be Contacted by E-Mail at Jcmartinkus@Yahoo.Com.

The ease with which asparagus grows makes it ideal for a home garden, though it does require quite a bit of attention during the harvest season. Asparagus grows from a crown that produces stalks for an average of six to seven weeks in the spring and ea...

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