Asparagus Arrives: First Bites in Baden-Württemberg
- Asparagus Harvest Commences: First Asparagus Crop Spotted in Certain Areas of Baden
Fans of this versatile veggie are eager to know where to find it and how much to expect to pay as regional asparagus season starts in Baden-Württemberg. Let's dive into the scoop!
Where's the gold mine for the first asparagus?
According to the South German Asparagus and Strawberry Growers Association (VSSE), your hunt for regional asparagus could lead you to spots like Heidelberg, the Karlsruhe and Bruchsal areas, and South Baden near Freiburg. Asparagus aficionado Jörg Schreiber from the Asparagus and Berry Farm in Waghäusel (district of Karlsruhe) shares that while quantities are still on the lower side, the next week should bring the usual harvest volume, ensuring a bountiful supply for Easter.
Growth's golden ticket: the soil temperature
TSSE boss Simon Schumacher reveals that soil warmth is key to asparagus sprouting. In the southwest, asparagus is primarily grown under plastic foil or tunnels, with a limited quantity on heated fields. According to Schumacher, sunlight on the foil heats the air within the tunnels, hitting a whopping 50°C, and warming the earth to a nice 15°C. At 18°C, the earth becomes the perfect breeding ground for aromatic and sweet asparagus. The vegetable thrives in sandy, light soils and craves sunny spots.
How much does asparagus set you back?
Hof operator Schreiber from Waghäusel points to a vast range of varieties - from €8 per kilogram for soup asparagus to €20 for the premium stuff. The farm is set to open for sales soon. Market analyst Michael Koch estimates starting season prices in the southwest to be around €20 per kilogram. However, these prices may drop as the weather improves and supply increases, according to experts.
Asparagus buying 101
"Freshness is key," shares Schumacher. Avoid leaving your asparagus acquisition sitting around for more than a day or two. Ideally, store it in a cool place, but not the freezer compartment. In the trade, those spears over 20 centimeters long, completely white, and boasting closed heads are considered premium choices. Sort spears of similar thickness together for even cooking.
Don't shrug off those "broken" spears. While they require more peeling, they can be perfect for soups or freezing. The smaller pieces thaw better, thus reducing food waste.
What's in store for this season?
Schumacher anticipates this year's asparagus to be "aromatic, sweet, and delicious." Last year's early season end due to heavy rain afforded the asparagus extra time to mature, leading to a potentially better harvest this time around. However, the number of asparagus operations and cultivation areas continues to decline due to rising labor costs caused by minimum wage increases.
The experts' go-to asparagus meal
"I'm all about large, white asparagus pieces, cooked in a bit of rapeseed oil, nicely browned, topped with Parmesan, ribbon pasta, a bit of rocket, and basil pesto," shares Schumacher about his favorite asparagus fix.
As the regional asparagus season blooms, enjoy the taste and watch the market. Remember, the quality and prices can change depending on the weather and demand. Pair your seasonal asparagus finds with your culinary creativity, and savor every mouthful!
[1] [Source][2] [Source]
- Concerning the European Food Safety Authority, the Commission has announced a proposal for a Regulation on the establishment of this entity, which will be under the European Community.
- Asparagus enthusiasts interested in the delicacy from Freiburg, Germany might be intrigued to know that the South Baden region around Freiburg is one of the areas where asparagus can be found during the season.
- The usual price for asparagus in the southwest of Germany during the season is around €20 per kilogram, according to market analyst Michael Koch, but it may decrease as the weather improves and more asparagus becomes available.
