But British asparagus is regarded by chefs and food lovers to be the best in the world, as our unique climate and growing conditions make for full-flavoured and tender spears.
Where is the best asparagus in the world?
Hampshire County, home to New England’s most productive farmland, has been called the “Asparagus Capital of the World” for its prolific abundance of the crop.
Where does the best asparagus come from?
Massachusetts used to be the asparagus capital of America
But this land used to be largely devoted to asparagus production. The asparagus from Hadley, MA was reputed to be the finest in America, due to the fertile soil and the deep layer of sandy loam.
Is asparagus grown in the UK?
The English asparagus season
But traditionally, the British asparagus season runs from St George’s day on the 23rd April through to Summer Solstice on the 21st June. That’s just 8 and a half weeks to make the most of this fantastic crop.
Where does UK asparagus come from?
The crop of British asparagus is from Sandy Booth’s farm in the New Forest, where the unseasonably warm January temperatures and the natural use of coir, which warms up much quicker than soil, has led to an early harvest this year. Coir is a hydroponic growing medium typically from coconuts which retains moisture.
What is the best tasting asparagus?
Purple Passion Asparagus
A high sugar content makes this variety sweet in taste. As you might expect, the Purple Passion variety is purple in color, and it becomes lighter as you cook it. For this reason, it is much more tender and sweeter in taste, thanks to the higher sugar content.
Which asparagus is best?
The best asparagus varieties to grow are: Conovers Colossal, Erasmus, Grande Hybrid, Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, Jersey Supreme, Mary Washington, Millenium, Purple Passion, & Spartacus. Some of these have purple spears, but most are green. Some are all-male varieties that produce lots of spears.
What country eats the most asparagus?
Global Asparagus Consumption
With nearly X thousand tons, China became the world’s leading asparagus consuming country, mixed up X% of global consumption.
Which country grows asparagus?
China is the largest producer of Asparagus with over 8 million metric tons. Peru producing with around 366,000 tons, and Mexico’s production amounted to 272,000 tons.
What is the healthiest way to eat asparagus?
Try adding shredded, raw asparagus to pasta dishes and salads. Alternatively, enjoy the spears lightly steamed or sautéed in a frittata, or as a stand-alone side dish. Asparagus is a nutritious choice, regardless of whether it’s cooked or raw. Try eating a combination of the two for maximum health benefits.
Is English asparagus available?
The British asparagus season runs from May until the end of June – just a handful of weeks to enjoy this most seasonal of crops.
Are asparagus good for you?
It’s low in calories and a great source of nutrients, including fiber, folate and vitamins A, C and K. Additionally, eating asparagus has a number of potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, healthy pregnancy outcomes and lower blood pressure.
Can you freeze asparagus?
Freeze the Asparagus
Transfer the asparagus to freezer bags and label them with the date. Don’t overcrowd the bags — these are delicate vegetables, not items in carry-on luggage. You want to keep the pieces in a single layer so they’ll freeze quickly and last for up to 8 months.
Why is there no white asparagus in UK?
White asparagus can be hard to find due to its labour-intensive growing process and limited season. During the asparagus season (late April to late June in the UK), white asparagus can be found at farmers markets and specialist greengrocers.
What is asparagus called in the UK?
Foods of England – Asparagus. Asparagus is the vernal shoot of the plant Asparagus officinalis. It is known as a food in England, as ‘sparagi‘, at least since references in Saxon herbals of the 10th Century (OED) and is given as ‘Sperage’ in William Turner’s ‘The names of herbes’ of 1548.
How do the British eat asparagus?
‘Asparagus is always eaten with the left hand and never with a knife and fork,’ the etiquette book says severely, before going on to instruct that you eat the stalks down ‘to about an inch and a half from the end. It is a solecism to guzzle up these stumps and leave nothing on your plate. ‘
What is the best asparagus to grow in UK?
Asparagus varieties we would recommend are ‘Ginlim’ (RHS Award of Garden Merit), ‘Pacific 2000’ and a late variety to extend the season, ‘Guelph Millennium’.
What is the sweetest asparagus?
Despite the color difference, white asparagus taste similar to green asparagus. 3. Purple: Known to be the sweetest type, purple asparagus gets its color from high levels of anthocyanins, chemical compounds commonly found in vegetables and other plants.
Are all types of asparagus edible?
Garden asparagus produces edible shoots, or spears, that are tasty and nutritious, but there are some parts of the plant that aren’t edible. Asparagus fruit, or berries, are the primary part of the plant that is toxic. The toxic principle is unknown.
What tastes better thin or thick asparagus?
Ferretti says there is little taste difference between thin and thick asparagus spears, but the thinner vegetables can be tougher to chew. Ferretti also says asparagus is a nutritional bonanza, serving as a significant source of vitamins A and C.
What should I look for when buying asparagus?
1. Choose Pristine Buds
- Stalks should be plump and firm, and tips should be tightly closed.
- Color can be green, purple, or white, depending on the variety. Make sure the color is not faded.
- A good grocer will chill asparagus or store it standing upright in cold, fresh water.