Produce Briefs...
Garlic Flowers
Garlic flowers are essentially the flowering seeds of a garlic plant. They emerge at the tip of the garlic's above-ground stem. The seeds appear once the garlic has reached maturity or if the plant begins to bolt early
Wasabi
Wasabi is a perennial and a member of the Cruciferae family. It is grown mainly for its underground rhizome (tuber) which produces branch-less, edible leaves above ground. A mature wasabi root is firm, cylindrical, brown and green-skinned and tapered.
Seasons/Availability
Asparagus appears in markets year round, the peak of this crop's season is in spring.
Current Facts
Asparagus, botanical name Asparagus officinalis, is a member of the Liliaceae family. It is a perennial herb with an underground rhizome known as the plant's crown. It is cultivated for its edible young stems, known as spears, which emerge in spring and summer. Asparagus plants are either male or female. The female produces volunteer seeds, which not only reduce the size of the stalks, but also crowd the beds with energy and space competing seedlings. Male plants do not produce seeds, which allows them to focus on developing the edible stem part of the plant, thus producing thicker, more desirable plants which has put new cultivars on the market that have been bred to produce only male plants for more cost-efficient crops. These cultivars include Jersey Giant, Jersey Supreme and Jersey Knight. A modest planting of 25 all-male crowns will yield up to 20 pounds of edible spears per year.
Description/Taste
Standard asparagus is not unique to other sized asparagus however it is simply grown to be marketed for a specific size: 9 inches in length and 16 mm in diameter. Its asparagus qualities are a still retained at this specific size. Its spears are pale pistachio green with blushes of purple throughout including its conical tips. Its flavor is mildly grassy and slightly balsam with nutty sweet undertones.
Nutritional Value
Asparagus contains more glutathione than any other fruit or vegetable. This antioxidant plays an important role in the prevention of certain cancers and diseases, nutrient metabolism and regulating DNA and protein synthesis.
Applications
Standard sparagus may be used in all preparations calling for asparagus. All asparagus spears should be snapped at their natural breaking or bending point. Discard the lower parts as they are more fibrous and woody. Standard asparagus can be sauteed, steamed, boiled, baked and fried. Spring ingredients such as morel mushrooms, green garlic, wild ramps, fennel, leeks, young lettuces and citruses such as lemon and grapefruit are most suitable pairings. Other complimentary ingredients include olive oil, aged nutty cheeses such as pecorino and alpine cheeses, bacon, sausage, lamb, proscuitto, cream, eggs, butter, shallots, herbs such as thyme, basil and chervil, yeasty breads like sourdough and wheat and grains such as aborio rice, quinoa and farro. Asparagus will keep, dry and refrigerated, for up to a week.
Geography/History
Asparagus is native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. Though widely found growing wild it is has been cultivated as a vegetable crop for centuries. As it was historically found growing in maritime regions, it prefers sandy weedless soils. Adding saline to soil to replicate this habitat can allow for fertile soil conditions. The agricultural downside is that most other edible vegetation does not thrive in sandy soil conditions.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Bertrand at Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Prepkitchen La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-875-7737 |
| Lisa Campbel | San Diego CA | 619-295-3173 |
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| Jimmy Love's | San Diego CA | 619-595-0123 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Zeca Trading Co. | San Diego CA | 619-410-1576 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Pibeta Phi | San Diego CA | 619-778-0311 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Paradise Point Resort Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Ritual Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-283-1618 |
| Carolyn J. Fisher | San Diego CA | 858-274-1129 |
| Caffe Calabria Coffee Roasting Company | San Diego CA | 619-683-7787 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Nordstrom Horton Plaza (#362) | San Diego CA | 602-741-6102 |
| Ruth's Chris Steak House DT | San Diego CA | 619-233-1422 |
| Harney Sushi Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-967-1820 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| World Famous | San Diego CA | 858-272-3100 |
| Catering By Felicia G. | San Diego CA | 619-742-4747 |
| Solana Beach Presbyterian Church | Solana Beach CA | 858-509-2580 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Pacific Beach Ale House | San Diego CA | 858-581-2337 |
| Delicia's | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-8000 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Cafe Chloe | San Diego CA | 619-232-3242 |
| Soda & Swine | San Diego CA | 619-269-7632 |
| Cork and Platter | San Diego CA | 619-253-8311 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Alpha Phi | San Diego CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760 603 3700 |
| The Crossings | Carlsbad CA | 760-444-1800 |
| Crush | Solana Beach CA | 858-481-2787 |
| Hilton San Diego Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-231-4040 |
| Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-759-1843 |
| Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
| True Food-Fashion Valley | San Diego CA | 619-810-2929 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Something Savory | Oceanside CA | 760-917-4158 |
| The Fantail Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-398-8258 |
| Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
| LaCasse Maritime | Bothell WA | 206 545 2201 |
| The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| Marriott Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-3000 x6335 |
| Nordstrom Fashion Valley (#360) | San Diego CA | 619 295-4441 |
| Bailiwick | San Diego CA | 619-795-3036 |
| Amalfi Gourmet LLC | San Diego CA | 619-379-3099 |
| Stevie's Catering | San Diego CA | 619-298-7706 |
| Aztec Shops Catering | San Diego CA | 619-594-7641 |
| Come on in Pacific Heights | San Diego CA | 858-638-0088 |
| Come On In Sorrento Valley | San Diego CA | 858-558-8964 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | FRONT: 760-704-1000 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Cueva Bar | San Diego CA | 619-269-6612 |
| Bencotto Italian Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-450-4786 |
| Prepkitchen Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-247-0394 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Capri Blu | San Diego CA | 858-673-5100 |
| Bare Back Grill Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-237-9990 |
| SoCal Chef | La Mesa CA | 619-251-3015 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Sushi Tadokoro | San Diego CA | 619-347-2792 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6800 |
| Come On In Carmel Valley | San Diego CA | 828-350-2703 |
| Villa Capri 2 Family Style Trattoria | San Diego CA | 858-538-5884 |
| Evergreen Cuisine LLC | San Diego CA | 619-917-2658 |
| Matt Johnson | San Diego CA | 619 295 3172 |
| Cody's at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-459-0040 |
| Queenstown Public House | San Diego CA | 619-546-0444 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-238-9880 |
| Roy's La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-455-1616 |
| Tender Greens-UTC | San Diego CA | 858-455-9395 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| Neighborhood Burger Wine and Beer | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
| Whisknladle | San Diego CA | 858-551-7575 |
| Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
| D Bar SoCal | San Diego CA | 619-632-7644 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Rancho Del Sol Health and Wellness Center | Valley Center CA | 760-751-8321 |
| Hotel Palomar-Salt Box | San Diego CA | 619-515-4062 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Surf Side Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619 507-0891 |
| Kai Foods | Imperial Beach CA | 619-254-8996 |
| Great Maple | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| The Melting Pot Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-234-5554 |
| Starlite | San Diego CA | 619-358-9766 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
| Wyndham SD Bayside | San Diego CA | 619-232-3861 |
| Spike Africa's Fresh Fish Bar & Grill | San Diego CA | 858-401-0608 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Gro Café | San Diego CA | 619-253-8311 |
| Delta Zeta | San Diego CA | 858-337-7536 |
| Prado at Balboa Park Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-744-3732 |
| Come On In La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-551-1063 |
| Sea Rocket Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-255-7049 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Chez Loma | Coronado CA | 619-435-0661 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Sheerwater | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| La Costa Glen Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Davanti Enoteca | San Diego CA | 858-519-5060 |
| Tuscany | Carlsbad CA | 760-929-8111 |
| La Costa Blue Fire | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Doug Harrigan | San Diego CA | 619-260-1135 |
| Just Call Us Catering | San Diego CA | 858-461-3674 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| Neighborhood Burger Miscellaneous | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
| Solace & the Moonlight Lounge | Encinitas CA | 760-753-2433 |
| Hotel Del Coronado 1500 Restaurant | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Gaijin Noodle & Sake House | San Diego CA | 858-246-7782 |
| JR Produce | San Diego CA | 858-270-3857 |
| Woody's Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-345-1740 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| Sapori | Coronado CA | 619-319-5696 |
| Island Pasta | Coronado CA | 619-435-4545 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 760-822-3593 sal |
| Paradise Point Resort Barefoot | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-451-9100 |
| La Valencia | San Diego CA | 858-551-3750 |
| Knotty Barrel | San Diego CA | 619-269-7156 |
| Horizon School | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5599 |
| Prepkitchen Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-7737 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Pacific Athletic Club | San Diego CA | 858-509-0700 |
| Handlery Hotel & Resort | San Diego CA | 619-298-0511 |
| Gabardine | San Diego CA | 619-398-9810 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Eddie V's La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-5500 |
| Bo Beau Kitchen & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-224-2884 |
| The Hake | La Jolla CA | 619-994-7832 |
| The Boardwalk Mission Beach | San Diego CA | 785-550-7576 |
| Saiko Sushi | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Tapenade | San Diego CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Bee Green Diet | San Diego CA | 858-551-1104 |
| Lafayette Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 x14 |
| Crosby National Golf Club LLC | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-227-0172 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
| Sail Ho Golf Course | San Diego CA | 619-222-4653 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Eclipse Chocolat | San Diego CA | 619-578-2984 |
| La Villa | San Diego CA | 619 255 5221 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Kappa Delta | San Diego CA | 510-512-2213 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Banquets | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Herringbone | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0221 |
| Andaz San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-814-2026 |
| Table 926 | San Diego CA | 858-539-0926 |
| Stingaree | San Diego CA | 619-544-0867 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Sogno Di Vino | San Diego CA | 619-531-8887 |
| Bistro West | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-9195 |
| Crust Pizzeria | Carlsbad CA | 760-944-1111 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Hillcrest Brewery | San Diego CA | 619-269-4323 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| The Craftsman New American Tavern | Encinitas CA | 760-415-2380 |
| Tractor Room | San Diego CA | 619-543-1007 |
| Harney Sushi Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-203-8584 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 ex 4 |
| West Steak and Seafood | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-9100 |
| Inn at the Park | San Diego CA | 619-296-0057 |
| Rubicon Deli India Street | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| Boat House Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0155 |
| The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-419-8343 |
| Urban Solace | San Diego CA | 619-295-6464 |
| Ebisu Sushi Bar | San Diego CA | 619-297-3119 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-436-5236 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Nordstrom Westfield Escondido (#364) | Escondido CA | 760-740-0170 |
| 100 wines | San Diego CA | 619-491-0100 |
| Petco Park (Sushi) | San Diego CA | 619-920-8899 |
| Bridges (at El Cajon Blvd) | San Diego CA | 619-501-9448 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Salad Style | San Diego CA | 619-255-6731 |
| Claire's on Cedros | Solana Beach CA | 858-259-8597 |
| Ciro's Pizzeria & Beerhouse PB | San Diego CA | 858-483-4624 |
| Union Kitchen & Tap | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
| The Village at 631 | San Diego CA | 619-255-9405 |
| Under Belly | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Eat Well With Mel | Chula Vista CA | 858-210-2553 |
| Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
| Raglan Public House | San Diego CA | 619-794-2304 |
| Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
| Kecho's Café | San Diego CA | 619-225-9043 |
| Toast Catering | san diego CA | 858.208.9422 |
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| The Promiscuous Fork | La Jolla CA | 858-776-3246 |
| Finch's Wine Bar & Bistro | La Jolla CA | 858-456-4056 |
| Fish Market Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-232-3474 |
| Empire House Urban Palate | San Diego CA | 619-278-8175 |
| Burlap | San Diego CA | 858 369 5700 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Barbarella | San Diego CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Roy's San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-239-7697 |
| Great News Cooking School | San Diego CA | 888-478-2433 |
| Convivial Catering | San Diego CA | 760-828-8762 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Eco Caters | San Diego CA | 858-246-6129 |
| San Diego Desserts | San Diego CA | 619-287-8186 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 x212 |
| In House Processing | ||
| Chart House Restaurant Cardiff | Cardiff-by-the-Sea CA | 760-436-4044 |
| Tender Greens-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-226-6254 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-255-4230 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 800-843-4661 |
| J six | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| Chaplos Restaurants & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-798-3888 frdesk |
| Snooze H.C, LLC | San Diego CA | 619-500-3344 |
| Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront & Spa | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Market Creek Events | San Diego CA | 619-527-6161 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Miguel's Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-298-9840 |
| Prado at Balboa Park Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-744-3732 |
| Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House | San Diego CA | 858-453-2583 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Green Asparagus. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Green Asparagus using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Jungle Jim's International Market Near Summerside, Ohio, United States About 6 days ago, 6/13/13 Sendik's Food Markets Near West Allis, Wisconsin, United States About 10 days ago, 6/09/13 Fresh Mart Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 39 days ago, 5/10/13 Spotter's comments : Fresh Green Asparagus are available . morrisons Near Dudley, United Kingdom About 68 days ago, 4/11/13 Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 74 days ago, 4/06/13 Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 102 days ago, 3/08/13 Walmart Near Clovis, California, United States About 102 days ago, 3/08/13 |
