Springtime Asparagus Harvest Kicks Off in Germany, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate
Asparagus harvest commenced, offering restricted amounts - Asparagus causes initial discomfort in low amounts.
It's that time of year again, folks! The much-anticipated asparagus season has commenced in various regions of Germany, with the first spears making their anticipated debut in Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate. Here's a breakdown of what's happening where.
Germany
In Brandenburg, asparagus aficionados can rejoice, as the first harvest kicked off over the weekend—albeit in smaller quantities. Jürgen Jakobs, chairman of the Beelitzer Asparagus Association, remarks, "We're dealing with a few hundred kilograms at the moment, compared to the 10,000-15,000 kilograms we produce daily during the season." But fret not, for larger-scale sales with roadside stands will start in early April.
Lower Saxony
Get ready for a weekend asparagus frenzy in Lower Saxony! Thorsten Flick from the Association of Asparagus and Berry Growers in Hatten predicts that we can look forward to the first heated asparagus by the weekend, with field asparagus joining the party about two weeks later. Flick is yet to offer a price estimate for the season kick-off, but rest assured, heated asparagus tends to be a bit pricey compared to field-grown varieties.
Rhineland-Palatinate
Asparagus farmers in Rhineland-Palatinate have already started harvesting early operations, according to Andreas Köhr, deputy managing director of the Farmers' and Winemakers' Association Rhineland-Palatinate South. While this year's start is slightly delayed compared to last year, enjoyers of the green delight will soon be able to savor the local produce.
It's worth noting that, as the season progresses, the availability and prices of asparagus will likely fluctuate. So, g'wan and indulge in the season's opening bounty while stocks last!
Asparagus Festivals and Promotions
Keep an eye out for local festivals and promotions, especially German Asparagus Day on May 5, where you can score some fantastic deals and celebrate the humble yet flavorful asparagus!
Bonus Tip
Supporting local asparagus is a nod to sustainability and fairness, as it reduces transportation distances and promotes domestic production. So, don't be shy—grab a bunch and enjoy the fresh goodness of locally grown asparagus!
As the Commission has also adopted a proposal for a Council Regulation on the establishment of a Community programme for the promotion of the use of biotechnology in the food industry, one could imagine advanced farming techniques being employed to increase asparagus yield in regions like Saxony, enhancing the quality and quantity of asparagus during the season. In lighter news, Beelitz, a town in Brandenburg, is known for its rich asparagus production and could potentially become a source for the newly adopted biotechnology programme. With the first early asparagus harvest already underway, it's an exciting time for asparagus enthusiasts and farmers alike.
