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Betsy's avatar

We (in Illinois) have a tiny asparagus patch which we struggle not to over-pick every April-May. I'm always horrified to see asparagus on plates the rest of the year, because it means that the veggies have been grown in some energy-sucking greenhouse and/or been flown thousands of miles. Not to mention they taste like dirt. I'm with the French here - I'd rather eat great food in its season than lousy imitations year-round. No local asparagus in my co-op yet, but soon ...

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Mark Anema's avatar

"...keep adding oil until your mayonnaise has the consistency of mayonnaise." I laughed out loud.

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Catherine Spaeth's avatar

I love this informative post. Especially the tips about making mayonnaise. I've made is many times but more often than not I fail. About the amount of oil--a French woman told me once that you add oil until the mixture can't hold anymore. Now, that's scientific!

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Christin Ritz's avatar

I'm sorry your macrobiotic experience was so restrictive! I didn't find it till the early 2000s, but I understand that in the time you referred to it was much more rigid as you described. The focus on eating what is in season where you actually live (which is likely not Japan) is much more prominent now, and I enjoy asparagus regularly when it's in season here in Massachusetts (soon!) Would love to read the future post you mentioned about it!

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Kent Biel's avatar

Our asparagus is just about ready to pick here in Spokane Wa. It is also my favorite vegetable. Loved your post!

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