Our favorite yearly treat comes to New York City this week. Air cargo is once again delivering cases of the great German “royal vegetable,” spargel (white asparagus), once reserved for the upper classes.      The German American Chamber of Commerce celebrates the season with its 15th Annual White Asparagus Dinner held at The Tribeca Rooftop in Manhattan.
     With its unpatrolled view of the dazzling new Number One World Trade Tower, the Tribeca is a grand venue where hundreds will gather tonight (May 18) for an evening of dress-up, good food and music, and networking. Manhattan will be laid out like a magic carpet beneath the buzz of the rooftop party.
     “It is always a pleasure and an honor to bring these cases of white asparagus to New York,” said Jo Frigger, CEO of EMO Trans, which organizes and provides total logistics for the shipments each year.
     “While very popular during April until early June in Germany, the vegetable is a rarity in the United States and is not grown here,” Mr. Frigger said.
     “Some attempts have been made to produce the asparagus in Latin America, but the best big white asparagus, with its particular texture and sweetness, is grown in Germany, where for centuries it has heralded springtime.
     “Spargel is a moveable feast that air cargo can deliver as no other mode of transport,” Jo Frigger said.
     “Working closely with Lufthansa Cargo its strictly hands-on, all the way,” said Mr. Frigger, who noted:
     “This year 253 kg. of Spargel were transported from the fields in coolers to the airport.
     “The whole procedure lasts one and a half days, including customs and other procedures, as the vegetable passes through the security microscope.
     “But the payoff is well worth it as a grand tradition is maintained and enhanced by EMO Trans’ ability to handle all manner of shipments end to end.”

     As mentioned, April to June is “Spargel Season” in Germany. Roadside stands, farmers’ markets, and grocery stores all carry ample supplies of the “royal vegetable,” and many restaurants have special Spargel menus that feature asparagus as the star ingredient.
     Some folks even opt to pickle the white asparagus while it is in season, assuming that they can keep other members of their households away from the kitchen long enough to secure the asparagus in pickling jars.
     “Veronika, der Lenz ist da!”

Vol 15 No. 38
Turkish Opens Atlanta
Chuckles For May 16, 2016
Lightbox: THY Cargo At 80
The Turkish Way
Coming In 17
Ain't Lion—Glad To Retire
FIATA Hits The Rails
Along Comes Pretty Little May