#springcooking

The farmers market was nearly empty this morning, just a few early risers and the soft sound of cardboard boxes being unpacked. I spotted them immediately—pale green stalks with tight purple buds, the first asparagus of spring. The vendor smiled when I picked up a bunch, running my thumb along the ridged stems.

Finally

, I thought,

The farmers market was nearly empty this morning—just me, the vegetable seller arranging his last winter greens, and a woman buying tulips. I spotted something I hadn't seen in months: fresh fava beans, still in their thick, pale green pods. The vendor smiled when I picked up a handful.

"First of the season,"

he said.