This one’s for the public, but early spring horseradish parties are a ritual on Long Island. I once attended one in someone’s backyard where men showed up with three Cuisinarts to which they had dedicated the shredding of horseradish. Once fresh horseradish goes into a kitchen appliance the flavor and aroma are never go out.
Now everyone can get in on the party. The Schmitts, a four-generation farming family in Riverhead, are now jarring their horseradish and selling it at farmers markets in the city. They will be the stars of the coming Horseradish Festival to be held at Hallockville Museum Farm on April 12. Buy your $20 ticket online ahead of time and think about your best recipes and get there early. A horseradish recipe contest and a bloody mary recipe contest will only take the first 20 entrants. Also expect to see other local vendors including Long Ireland Beer Company and Moustache Brewing Co.
