Spargel

Spargel (asparagus) is a perennial g plants in the family Asparagaceae. I planted a small bed of asparagus in the kitchen garden a dozen years ago and allowed it to establish itself for several years before harvesting it beginning in the third year.

This is a delightful spring treat to be enjoyed for the briefest of times.  And it is truly a blessing to step outside and cut some of these wonderful sprigs and serve them fresh from the garden - roasted, grilled in an omelet or fresh as a garnish in your Bloody Mary.

A little known fact is:  Labrador retrievers love spargel and as a consequence they have to be kept out of the asparagus patch let they devour every fresh shoot in sight.  Another factoid is that spargel is a really big deal in Germany this time of year - especially the white spargel grown by Europeans.   You can learn more about it here.