Seasons/Availability
White Asparagus is available year round.
Current Facts
Asparagus beds may take two or three years of cultivation before yielding a crop. Well tended plants will abundantly produce for twenty years or more. Two harvests, one in the morning and one in the evening, are required during optimum growing conditions. The rapidly growing spears can grow as much as ten inches in one day. It is claimed that spears continue to grow after picking and are packed in crates large enough to accommodate their increase in size during shipping. The fact is, asparagus spears absorb moisture from the air and swell in size which makes it appear they "grow" in shipment. If very fresh spears are purchased, you may witness this expansion on your own kitchen counter.
Description/Taste
Looking rather prestigious, lovely white asparagus is the same plant as the green asparagus, but a different growing technique results in this unique white variety. Blanching occurs because about six inches of soil are mounded over the plants to prevent the sun's rays from producing chlorophyll as they grow. This lack of chlorophyll creates the white asparagus. When the slightest sight of a tip protrudes from the earth, the plant is picked.
Nutritional Value
Providing a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and folate, this nutritious vegetable is a useful source of vegetable protein, plus the stalks are high in fiber. One-half cup cooked asparagus contains about 23 calories. Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables lowers the chances of cancer. A recent study found eating nine or ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables, combined with three servings of low-fat dairy products, were effective in lowering blood pressure.
Applications
Steam until tender; top with a delicate sauce, melted butter or a light seasoning. Served hot or cold, stately white spears make a tasty side dish and a perfect accompaniment for fish. Simmer uncovered in a saucepan for eight to twelve minutes depending on thickness of spears. Taste to test for doneness; remove from heat just on the underdone side as retained heat completes cooking to perfection. For elegant serving, place well-drained cooked spears in folds of a starched colored cloth napkin; tie a contrasting colored bow around the middle. Fresh pencil-thin spears are delicious served raw with a dip. Complementary herbs include thyme, chives, tarragon and parsley. To store, wrap in a damp paper towel; place in plastic bag and refrigerate. For optimum taste, asparagus should be eaten as soon as possible after purchase.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Sometimes referred to as the aristocrat of vegetables, asparagus has been prized since the days of ancient Greeks and Romans. They believed asparagus possessed medicinal properties and cured everything from rheumatism to toothaches. Historically, asparagus was used in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis, and used as a diuretic. However, none of these healing qualities of asparagus has been proven to be true. Today this succulent vegetable is cherished by the Europeans, and the French are famous for white asparagus. Italian cuisine customarily cooks asparagus in the same large pot pasta is cooked in.
Geography/History
Strictly grown underground, white asparagus crops require very close attention so that the plants never see the light of day. Carefully watched, when the very first tip of the stalks are about to push up through the soil, growers quickly snip the stalks before dawn to protect them from the sun's rays. If the sun shines on these delicate tips, they turn light purple and will lose their grade-A white asparagus rating. South America is a major producer.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Featured Recipes
Recipes that include White Asparagus. One
is easiest, three is harder.
