While many farms lay fallow at the very beginning of spring, Schmitt Family Farm in Riverhead, New York does a robust business in a seasonal favorite and seder meal essential -- horseradish.
Horseradish from soil to seder —
While many farms lay fallow at the very beginning of spring, Schmitt Family Farm in Riverhead, New York does a robust business in a seasonal favorite and seder meal essential -- horseradish.
Steve Kastenbaum/CNN
Phillip Schmitt and his son Matt are third and fourth generation farmers. The family has been farming on Long Island for over 150 years, and grow greens, beets, flowers and herbs.
Horseradish from soil to seder —
Phillip Schmitt and his son Matt are third and fourth generation farmers. The family has been farming on Long Island for over 150 years, and grow greens, beets, flowers and herbs.
Steve Kastenbaum/CNN
Horseradish can be planted almost any time of year. The Schmitts dedicate an acre of their land to planting these secondary roots, saved from previous crops, that go into the ground pointed end down.
Horseradish from soil to seder —
Horseradish can be planted almost any time of year. The Schmitts dedicate an acre of their land to planting these secondary roots, saved from previous crops, that go into the ground pointed end down.
Steve Kastenbaum/CNN
The Schmitts use this piece of equipment to pull the grown horseradish from the ground.
Horseradish from soil to seder —
The Schmitts use this piece of equipment to pull the grown horseradish from the ground.
Steve Kastenbaum/CNN
The Schmitts' horseradish operation is comparatively small, yielding about 5000-6000 pounds a season.
Horseradish from soil to seder —
The Schmitts' horseradish operation is comparatively small, yielding about 5000-6000 pounds a season.
Steve Kastenbaum/CNN
Some loyal customers will buy 100 to 200 pounds and throw a horseradish party, complete with a lot of vodka.
Horseradish from soil to seder —
Some loyal customers will buy 100 to 200 pounds and throw a horseradish party, complete with a lot of vodka.
Steve Kastenbaum/CNN
The farm sells to major local grocery vendors, farmers markets and through their farmstand.
Horseradish from soil to seder —
The farm sells to major local grocery vendors, farmers markets and through their farmstand.
Steve Kastenbaum/CNN
Matt Schmitt produces and sells prepared horseradish products under the name "Holy Schmitt's."
Horseradish from soil to seder —
Matt Schmitt produces and sells prepared horseradish products under the name "Holy Schmitt's."
Steve Kastenbaum/CNN
For the seder plate, horseradish is often mixed with beet to add some sweetness and cut down on its pungency.
Horseradish from soil to seder —
For the seder plate, horseradish is often mixed with beet to add some sweetness and cut down on its pungency.
Steve Kastenbaum/CNN
Here, grated horseradish is mixed with grated beet and then seasoned with vinegar, salt and sugar.
Horseradish from soil to seder —
Here, grated horseradish is mixed with grated beet and then seasoned with vinegar, salt and sugar.
Steve Kastenbaum/CNN
The result is a powerfully-flavored, beautifully-hued garnish that symbolizes the bitterness of the Jewish people's slavery before their deliverance from Egypt.
Horseradish from soil to seder —
The result is a powerfully-flavored, beautifully-hued garnish that symbolizes the bitterness of the Jewish people's slavery before their deliverance from Egypt.
Steve Kastenbaum/CNN