Dave Smith wrote:

> I have been in Europe a couple times during Spargel season and most of
> the stuff I saw (in early May) was big, but not that big. I don't
> remember seeing pencil asparagus.

I've always assumed "pencil asparagus" is the result of long-term
contracts between farmers and retailers. When it comes time to ship,
they harvest whatever they've got. Maybe different for those who live
closer to farmland.