One of the best parts of moving to Prince Edward Island in late Spring was to experience fresh Asparagus twice. Spring comes late to the Island. Thank GOD! I drove over to Christine and Martin Belanger's Farm just outside of Hunter River, PEI on the way to work. I had to see the barren field where these amazing shoots are born. For those who have never seen asparagus grow it is interesting to note that asparagus takes three years and one day for a shoot to grow. Three years to get the crown into it's most productive state and one day for the shoot to, well, shoot out of the gound. Christine told me that in hot climates asparagus shoots grow one inch an hour. WOW!
In addition to some the Island's best asparagus, the Belanger's grow amazing berries, raspberries, blueberries, gooseberries and one called Saskatoons. Never tried a saskatoon? Neither have I. They have also planted Kiwis. You probably are thinking what I am thinking... Kiwis on PEI? This Island gets better by the second.
"Asparagus inspires gentle thoughts"
~ Charles Lamb
"If the divine creator has taken pains to give us delicious and exquisite things to eat, the least we can do is prepare them well and serve them with ceremony."
~ Fernand Point
Asparagus, in three parts
Crispy Crab and Lobster Cake
Asparagus, Lemon Vinaigrette and Snow Crab salad
Local Asparagus with Crunchy Farm Egg
Martin’s just cut Asparagus lightly grilled
Parmesan Fonduta, crispy Pancetta, poached Farm Egg
Pan Roasted Salmon with Salted and Aromatic Herbs
with Martin's Asparagus served with Smoked Eel Tortellinis
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