Spilmans Asparagus is a family run operation close to the village of Helperby. Asparagus is cut from the peaceful fields of Pasture Lane (which was the original name of the asparagus business) by a hardworking team of pickers.
“I miss working in these fields!” Says Sally who is now based in the pack house at Lodge Farm from where the bundles of asparagus are dispatched. Sally and husband Richard started the business 15 years ago from this beautiful spot, and there are now five asparagus fields across 35 acres which are managed by their eldest son Tom.
The growing season is between the end of March and June when on warm days, the asparagus bursts quickly through the loose soil. On the cool days, it may not move very much but on beautiful sunny days, a field that has been harvested first thing on a morning may well need cutting a second time in the evening – because it grows so rapidly you can almost see it happening.
Any flowering or wonky asparagus is sold or donated to a York community project so there is minimal waste.
After the army of pickers has cut the asparagus, boxes of the loose produce are brought to Lodge Farm where it is washed, trimmed, graded and packed into bundles for delivery by Richard and driver Malcolm. And once the asparagus season is done, it’s onto strawberries also supplied to Fodder until well into August. Many of the seasonal workers come back year after year, such is the nurturing and supportive work environment the family have created. And it’s from these quiet fields that the delicious bundles of asparagus are sent out across the UK, including to Covent Garden … and a little closer to home at Fodder café and shop.
