The following information may be useful to those who wish to know at what season of the year certain vegetables may be had, and also where they may be had in their prime.
Asparagus. The consumption of asparagus has grown so much during the past few years, partly, perhaps, through the recommendation of physicians, that it might be well here to give an idea as to where and when it is grown. It first makes its appearance in market from the middle of February until the middle of March, according to the condition of the weather.
Occasionally it may be had during the winter from hot-houses, but of inferior quality. The first of out-door growth comes from Charleston, S. C., where there are a number of very large beds, and where it is grown very successfully, both as to quality and quantity. It is shipped from there to Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, and New York, arriving at the latter place by express in a little less than forty-eight hours after cutting. Although North Carolina is growing more every year, the next location where it is raised in quantities for market is Norfolk, Va., the quality being of the best. We now reach our own vicinity—Oyster Bay and New Jersey. The former place has long had the reputation of raising the finest asparagus, but as a great many of their beds are getting old, and not receiving the proper attention, they are fast losing their prestige to Jersey, where they are growing more and more every year, and of the very finest quality. Asparagus may be had at its best from the 1st of May, until the 1st of June; after this time it commences to run out until July first, when cutting is stopped. The demand has been so great for the past few years that, although more and more is raised every year, the price advances instead of getting less, and for the large “Colossal” or “Delmonico” asparagus immense prices are paid.
French artichokes may be had all the year round; the quality and size depend on the condition of the weather during their growth. Most of the supply is from France, but occasionally from California and the South.
Jerusalem artichokes appear from the 1st of October until June; they are always good.
String beans can be had from the middle of February until December; they are in their prime during the spring and fall months. Occasionally we receive them in December and January from Havana, but they are not first-class.
Lima beans, which are seldom shipped from the South, can be had from August until frost sets in; they are always good.
Beets all the year round; best in spring and summer.
Cabbage all the year round; always good. The first new cabbage comes from Florida in March. During the winter large quantities of cabbages are imported from Denmark.
Carrots all the year; the small young ones appearing in the spring.