Between its tenderness and laborious growing practices, white asparagus is even more prized (and more expensive) than the first stalks of the green stuff at the market—and you probably won’t find white asparagus at American farmers markets, or American-grown asparagus in grocery stores.
Can you get white asparagus in the US?
Once only widely known in Europe, White Asparagus has grown in popularity in America along with today’s sophisticated palates. It’s considered the ‘champagne’ of vegetables with its subtle taste and elegant appearance.
Where do you find white asparagus?
The Netherlands, Spain, France, Switzerland and especially Germany are all big White Asparagus consumers. Certain regions of Germanany have very sandy soils that are particularly suited to the growing process and in these areas White Asparagus or Spargel is big business.
Is there white asparagus?
Both white and purple asparagus can be prepared and served in the same ways that green asparagus is—roasted, baked, sauteed, shaved in salads and more. However, the spears of white asparagus are thicker and a little bit more fibrous than green asparagus, so the bottom two-thirds should be peeled.
Why is there no white asparagus?
White asparagus is not grown very often or in very many places as it requires a lot of effort and labour to keep it underground. Its rarity and cost of production make it one of the most expensive vegetables and explain why it is considered such a delicacy.
Why is white asparagus more expensive?
Why is white asparagus so expensive? Because growing white asparagus underground is much more labor intensive, that’s reflected in the price. Each stalk must be unearthed and cut by hand, a painstaking job. White asparagus can be as a much as $2 more a bunch than green.
Is white asparagus more expensive than green?
Between its tenderness and laborious growing practices, white asparagus is even more prized (and more expensive) than the first stalks of the green stuff at the market—and you probably won’t find white asparagus at American farmers markets, or American-grown asparagus in grocery stores.
Is white asparagus rare?
White asparagus is considered a rare delicacy in the culinary world, with a cachet rivaling that of ramps. In fact, the vegetable is so prized in parts of Europe that the harvest season spawns large-scale festivals.
When can you buy white asparagus?
Long, thick spears of white asparagus grown under mounds of earth and served up with butter and ham. You can usually spot the first bundles white asparagus (Spargel) at German farmers’ markets in the middle of March, but at staggeringly high prices, since the season is yet to officially begin.
Why do Germans love white asparagus?
Many Germans prefer the white variety because it is thought to be more tender and less bitter. The stalks are generally thicker and longer than the green version, which has a tougher skin that makes it unpalatable. Thankfully, many German supermarkets have machines on site that do all the peeling for you.
Is white asparagus healthier than green asparagus?
If you’re interested in nutrition then consider green asparagus as it is rich in vitamins B and C, calcium, potassium, beta-carotene, and folic acid. White asparagus contains antioxidants but it isn’t as healthy as its green alternative.
Can I grow white asparagus?
This asparagus season enjoy white asparagus from your green asparagus patch. Mound 6 to 8 inches of soil or mulch loosely over green asparagus just as the tips are popping through the soil. Harvest once the white tips poke through the mounded soil or mulch.
How many colors of asparagus are there?
three different colors
Asparagus plants come in three different colors: green, white, and purple. The purple variety was first developed in Italy and is not particularly common in the United States. You can occasionally find it at specialty grocery stores and farmers’ markets during the spring.
How do Germans eat white asparagus?
The most popular ways of enjoying white asparagus are deliberately simple, so as not to overpower the vegetable’s delicate flavor. Asparagus are traditionally served with melted butter and potatoes (Spargel mit Butter), with ham (Spargel mit Schinken) or with hollandaise sauce (Spargel mit holländischer Sauce).
Is white asparagus genetically modified?
Yep, and it’s not a GMO or hybrid, but rather a result of altering how the it grows. As the spears begin to push through the soils, farmers begin to mound dirt around them, depriving them of sunlight which in turn halts the production of chlorophyll in the stalks.
Is white asparagus better?
Is There a Difference in Flavor? White asparagus has a more delicate flavor than green. While green asparagus is a bit grassy, white asparagus is sweeter and has just a hint of bitterness. This delicate flavor is perhaps why it’s so prized in Europe.
Is white asparagus good for diabetics?
Asparagus May Help Fight Diabetes
According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, adding asparagus to your diet might help you keep diabetes symptoms under control. This study, performed at Pakistan’s Karachi University, looked at rats with diabetes.
Can white asparagus be eaten raw?
Asparagus may be eaten raw or cooked. When enjoyed raw, slice it thinly to make the otherwise tough stalks easier to chew.
Can you eat the skin of white asparagus?
White asparagus has a thick outer skin that, unlike green asparagus, must be peeled before using as it is too stringy to eat. The base should also be removed as it is too woody to chew.
What is the most expensive vegetable in America?
Pink Lettuce
Also known as pink radicchio, this ‘pretty in pink’ lettuce tastes slightly bitter. It sells for $10 per pound, which is approximately Rs 800 for 500 gms.
Which country has the best asparagus?
Asparagus is a vegetable consumed in many parts of the world.
Top Asparagus Producing Countries In The World.
| Rank | 1 |
|---|---|
| Area | China, mainland |
| Production (Int $1000) | 6,689,690 |
| Production (Metric tons) | 7,350,000 |