Americans consume over 500 million pounds of asparagus each year, with the vast majority, or 80%-90% of the vegetable being imported, primarily from Mexico and Peru, according to the USDA. In 2021, Peru accounted for about 40% of the value of all U.S. asparagus imports, second only to Mexico’s 59% share of imports.
Where does most asparagus come from?
China
We grow 73,000 metric tons of asparagus each year while China, the largest producer in the world, grows 4.8 million metric tons. Most of the asparagus in American supermarkets, however, comes from Mexico or Peru.
Which US state produces the most asparagus?
Michigan
(WXYZ) — Here’s something you probably didn’t know: Michigan produces the most asparagus in the country. According to Agriculture Facts and Figures from the state government, Michigan produces up to 23 million pounds of the vegetable annually. Michigan growers harvest approximately 9,500 acres annually.
Who is the world’s largest supplier of asparagus?
China. China takes the spot for the number 1 asparagus producing country in the world. It produces 7.35 million metric tons of asparagus every year.
Is asparagus imported?
In 2019, total asparagus production was 74.37 million pounds. Approximately 502.4 million pounds of fresh asparagus was imported in 2017, mostly from Mexico, Peru and Chile. The value of the 2020 utilized U.S. commercial asparagus crop was approximately $85.2 million.
Is asparagus native to the US?
Asparagus is believed native to the eastern Mediterranean lands and Asia Minor. It commonly grows wild over much of that country today and also in the trans-Caucasus, Europe, and even in many places in the United States where it has escaped from cultivation.
Where is asparagus best grown?
Choose a fertile, sunny, well-drained site with soil that holds moisture well. Late spring frosts can kill emerged spears, so find an area that is not low-lying or exposed to frost. Asparagus plants have deep root systems. Avoid areas with shallow soils, or soils prone to water-saturation.
Does America grow asparagus?
The United States produces around 20,000 to 25,000 acres of asparagus with a value of $70 to $100 million annually. The largest asparagus-producing states are Michigan, California, New Jersey, and Washington. Asparagus is produced on 4,900 farms in the United States and 75 percent of those farms have one acre or less.
Is asparagus profitable to grow?
Planting new asparagus fields is expensive, and it can take experienced growers several years just to break even. Still, many mixed-crop farmers report that asparagus is their most profitable crop, so enterprising small growers can certainly find plenty of opportunity in the industry.
When did asparagus come to America?
Asparagus was brought to North America from France back in the 1600 and 1700s but wasn’t commercially grown until the 1860s. Its originally from the Europe, North Africa, and Asia, where it grows wild along the seashores and riverbanks.
Which country exports the most asparagus?
Below are the 15 countries that exported the highest dollar value worth of asparagus during 2020.
- Peru: US$377.1 million (30.2% of total asparagus exports)
- Mexico: $372.7 million (29.8%)
- United States: $144.4 million (11.6%)
- Spain: $88.5 million (7.1%)
- Netherlands: $82.7 million (6.6%)
- Italy: $40.8 million (3.3%)
What country is the largest exporter of asparagus?
Trends of Top 10 Exporters
| Country | Export % | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Global | |
| 2 | Mexico | 33.37% |
| 3 | Peru | 31.65% |
Where is asparagus grown Europe?
The asparagus harvest is largest in north Limburg and southeast Noord-Brabant.
Dutch asparagus cultivation mainly in Limburg and Noord-Brabant.
| Series 0 | |
|---|---|
| Germany | 20.59 |
| Spain | 11.25 |
| Italy | 6.4 |
| France | 4.5 |
Does Australia import asparagus?
When Australian asparagus is out of season, or when supplies are limited such as at the beginning and end of the season, asparagus is imported from Peru, Thailand, Mexico and the United States to supplement local supplies and satisfy customer demand.
Does Australia grow asparagus?
More than 95% of Australia’s asparagus is grown in Victoria. Most of the Australian asparagus crop (70%) is consumed on the domestic market and 30% of Australian asparagus is exported.
Where is asparagus grown in California?
California has three primary asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) production areas: the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta (San Joaquin, Sacramento, and Contra Costa Counties), the Central Coast (Monterey and San Benito Counties), and the San Joaquin Valley (Fresno, Kern, Merced, and Kings Counties).
What vegetables are native to North America?
Winter squash, corn and climbing beans are well-known as native crops to North America. Indigenous peoples have grown these three vegetables together as companion crops long before Europeans started showing up here.
Is white asparagus grown in the US?
Both are grown using methods similar to that used for white asparagus, and both are grown hardly at all in America. And growers aren’t even out of the woods once the white asparagus is harvested: It takes on a green tinge after it’s been exposed to light, even in the grocery store.
Is it safe to eat wild asparagus?
Wild asparagus can be used like its common counterpart, prepared by snapping off the bottoms at their natural breaking or bending point. Wild asparagus is best showcased raw or briefly cooked; it can be sautéed, steamed, boiled, baked and fried.
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.
Does asparagus grow in the wild?
Wild asparagus generally grow in ditches or along fences, at least in Iowa where I grew up. It also seems to like to be near water or a moist environment, not right at the bank of a stream but close. Wild asparagus grow much taller that you might expect; it can easily be knee high or taller.