This past Saturday morning, I was hoping to score some asparagus at the Noe Valley Farmer's Market. My brother gave me tips on a new cooking technique that I was aching to try. As soon as people start talking about spring and/or Easter menus and I see hot cross buns at Dianda's, my thoughts inevitably turn to asparagus. A favorite brunchy type menu for this time of year is quiche or frittata, asparagus, ham with all the fixings, and hot cross buns.
At the market, I already had chili lemon pistachios, apples, oranges, and some jalapeno cheddar bread. Most of the stalls were closing up, because it was 12:59 p.m. I hurried over to a table with asparagus. "I'll take this one," I said, and started to dig through my pocket for money.
"Nine dollars," I was told. I thought I had misheard the guy working the stall.
"I'm sorry? Did you say nine dollars?" I asked.
He looked bored and said flatly, "Yes. It's six a pound. This is a pound and a half. Nine dollars."
I just couldn't do it. "I'm sorry. Never mind," I said. I kept saying to myself, "Nine dollars?" in my head. His prices were in line with one of my favorite organic markets, which listed asparagus at $5.95. I'm waiting for the prices to drop, and hope they do in time for Easter.
Oh I know -- that's my local market and I cannot bring myself to shop there. A couple weeks ago I picked up a bulb of fennel cuz it was convenient, and it cost $2.50. This stuff grows, wild, on the side of the road *in the city of San Francisco.* I mean, really!
Posted by: Sean | March 27, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Well, it IS the first asparagus of the season. In a month, it'll be affordable, plentiful... and tastier, too.
Posted by: Anita | March 27, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Ohgod. We can't support that kind of pricing. Sorry.
I think Zuckerman's from Stockton is only $2.50 a pound.
Shit, what a travesty.
On a happier note, we saw your adorable husband and his prehensile thumb on TV the other night. Hah!
Posted by: cookiecrumb | March 27, 2007 at 04:26 PM
Who was the farmer?
Posted by: jen maiser | March 28, 2007 at 10:00 AM
I'm sure it was organic, sung to, picked by the light of the moon, and bound to be incredibly delicious. But, still, that was an absurd price. I'm getting west coast asparagus these days for $2/lb on sale and slightly more not on sale. Far more reasonable, especailly when you bear in mind I supply my own singing. Cheers!
Posted by: almost vegetarian | March 28, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Sean-good to know I'm not alone in my dilemma!
Anita-I guess I'll wait it out. No choice, really!
Cookiecrumb-I'm glad you caught Oscar on TV. Pretty funny, huh.
Jen-I am terrible to not have the farmer's name. I will do some research on my next outing.
Almost Vegetarian-You make me laugh!! My Mom lives in the East Bay Area and can get asparagus for $2.50 a pound. Not sure if it's organic or sung to, hehe.
Posted by: Mary/Jalapeno Girl | March 28, 2007 at 03:13 PM