Feb 28th, 2007
Asparagus, my old friend
First I must say that I appreciate the farmers’ markets that are year round. There is something very romantic about a quick run through a rainy farmers’ market. The combined smells of the rain and produce make the produce seem all that fresher, if that were possible.
I had to do a double take as I passed by Zuckerman Farms, as if I saw a celebrity over my shoulder. No, it was the first asparagus of the season. And with two hours left of the market, this is all that was left. I was obviously not the only one clamoring for a new vegetable in my 2007 winter repertoire.
Hamada Farms had these beautiful Meyer Lemons ready to take home. I was tempted but there is a disconnect when it come to spending $2.00/lb on something that no less than 3 people on my street will almost pay me to take off their plentiful trees. I opted for the Melo Gold Grapefruit which is actually a hybrid of the pomello and marsh grapefruit. I have always stayed close to the ruby reds, but feel pretty silly about that now. The Melo Gold has a complex flavor that is not overpowering or tart. The real test for me was that I did not feel the need to sweeten the big juicy sections. Hazah!
I love Meyer lemons–they are so aromatic and wonderful. My mom has a tree in her backyard in Sonoma County, so I was lucky to bring a few home when I visited for Christmas. Here in New York, I’ve seen them for $6/pound and up.