Produce Briefs...
Italian Black Summer Truffles
Black summer truffles are more subtle than the winter variety. Shave truffle over cooked potatoes, toss with herbs and a shallot vinaigrette. Thinly shave truffle over scrambled eggs.
Spring Onions
Spring onions are most often utilized raw. The whole onion can be flash blanched and grilled, which brings out more the robust and sweet elements of the onions, and makes them a bolder pair for fish and meats
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.
| Cork and Platter | San Diego CA | 619-253-8311 |
| Jimmy Love's | San Diego CA | 619-595-0123 |
| Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
| Indulge Contemporary Catering | San Diego CA | 858-270-5700 |
| Snooze H.C, LLC | San Diego CA | 619-500-3344 |
| Empire House Urban Palate | San Diego CA | 619-278-8175 |
| Soda & Swine | San Diego CA | 619-269-7632 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Achio | San Diego CA | 310-402-6195 |
| Kecho's Café | San Diego CA | 619-225-9043 |
| Andaz San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-814-2026 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Roy's La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-455-1616 |
| Ciro's Pizzeria & Beerhouse PB | San Diego CA | 858-483-4624 |
| Lafayette Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Roy's San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-239-7697 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Prado at Balboa Park Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-744-3732 |
| Rancho Del Sol Health and Wellness Center | Valley Center CA | 760-751-8321 |
| Bistro West | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-9195 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-255-4230 |
| Come on in Pacific Heights | San Diego CA | 858-638-0088 |
| Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
| Great News Cooking School | San Diego CA | 888-478-2433 |
| West Coast Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-295-1688 |
| Tapenade | San Diego CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Parioli Italian Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-755-2525 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| LaCasse Maritime | Bothell WA | 206 545 2201 |
| Bencotto Italian Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-450-4786 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Come On In Carmel Valley | San Diego CA | 828-350-2703 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Miho Gastrotruck | San Diego CA | 619-867-4295 |
| Cody's at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-459-0040 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| World Famous | San Diego CA | 858-272-3100 |
| Delta Zeta | San Diego CA | 858-337-7536 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Market Creek Events | San Diego CA | 619-527-6161 |
| Lisa Campbel | San Diego CA | 619-295-3173 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Sogno Di Vino | San Diego CA | 619-531-8887 |
| Stevie's Catering | San Diego CA | 619-298-7706 |
| Nordstrom Fashion Valley (#360) | San Diego CA | 619 295-4441 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Kappa Delta | San Diego CA | 510-512-2213 |
| Juan Chou | San Diego CA | 619-487-0455 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| The Promiscuous Fork | La Jolla CA | 858-776-3246 |
| Doug Harrigan | San Diego CA | 619-260-1135 |
| Carnitas Snack Shack | San Diego CA | 619-294-7675 |
| Solana Beach Presbyterian Church | Solana Beach CA | 858-509-2580 |
| The Craftsman New American Tavern | Encinitas CA | 760-415-2380 |
| Petco Park (Sushi) | San Diego CA | 619-920-8899 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Banquets | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Gro Café | San Diego CA | 619-253-8311 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Avenue 5 | San Diego CA | 619-542-0394 |
| WKM Group (John King) | San Diego CA | 619-255-7107 |
| Gabardine | San Diego CA | 619-398-9810 |
| Analog | San Diego CA | 619-233-1183 |
| Acqua Al 2 Ristorante | San Diego CA | 619-230-0382 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
| Cafe Chloe | San Diego CA | 619-232-3242 |
| Burlap | San Diego CA | 858 369 5700 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Sheerwater | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Prepkitchen La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-875-7737 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Paradise Point Resort Barefoot | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Paradise Point Resort Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Nordstrom Westfield Escondido (#364) | Escondido CA | 760-740-0170 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Ariccia Italian Market | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7675 |
| Marriott Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-3000 x6335 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Boat House Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0155 |
| Come On In La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-551-1063 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 ex 4 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Eat Well With Mel | Chula Vista CA | 858-210-2553 |
| Ruffner's Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-894-4110 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Spike Africa's Fresh Fish Bar & Grill | San Diego CA | 858-401-0608 |
| Monello | San Diego CA | 619-501-0030 |
| Zeca Trading Co. | San Diego CA | 619-410-1576 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Wyndham SD Bayside | San Diego CA | 619-232-3861 |
| Inn at the Park | San Diego CA | 619-296-0057 |
| Matt Johnson | San Diego CA | 619 295 3172 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Blue Pearl | San Diego CA | 619-222-4198 |
| Chart House Restaurant Cardiff | Cardiff-by-the-Sea CA | 760-436-4044 |
| Claire's on Cedros | Solana Beach CA | 858-259-8597 |
| Gaijin Noodle & Sake House | San Diego CA | 858-246-7782 |
| Nordstrom Horton Plaza (#362) | San Diego CA | 602-741-6102 |
| Woody's Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-345-1740 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Ebisu Sushi Bar | San Diego CA | 619-297-3119 |
| Knotty Barrel | San Diego CA | 619-269-7156 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| 100 wines | San Diego CA | 619-491-0100 |
| Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-759-1843 |
| Solace & the Moonlight Lounge | Encinitas CA | 760-753-2433 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| The Crossings | Carlsbad CA | 760-444-1800 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Eclipse Chocolat | San Diego CA | 619-578-2984 |
| Just Call Us Catering | San Diego CA | 858-461-3674 |
| Queenstown Public House | San Diego CA | 619-546-0444 |
| Ruth's Chris Steak House DT | San Diego CA | 619-233-1422 |
| Raglan Public House | San Diego CA | 619-794-2304 |
| SoCal Chef | La Mesa CA | 619-251-3015 |
| Tender Greens-UTC | San Diego CA | 858-455-9395 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Prepkitchen Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-7737 |
| Under Belly | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| The Fantail Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-398-8258 |
| J six | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 x14 |
| Aloha Catering | San Diego CA | 619-588-0586 |
| Caffe Calabria Coffee Roasting Company | San Diego CA | 619-683-7787 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Pibeta Phi | San Diego CA | 619-778-0311 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 x212 |
| Heights Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-302-8178 |
| Sushi Tadokoro | San Diego CA | 619-347-2792 |
| San Diego Desserts | San Diego CA | 619-287-8186 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| Bertrand at Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Crosby National Golf Club LLC | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-227-0172 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
| The Wine Pub | San Diego CA | 619-758-9325 |
| Miguel's Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-298-9840 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 760-822-3593 sal |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 800 843 4661 |
| Harney Sushi Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-967-1820 |
| Handlery Hotel & Resort | San Diego CA | 619-298-0511 |
| Finch's Wine Bar & Bistro | La Jolla CA | 858-456-4056 |
| The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
| The Boardwalk Mission Beach | San Diego CA | 785-550-7576 |
| We Olive La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-551-8250 |
| Herringbone | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0221 |
| True Food-Fashion Valley | San Diego CA | 619-810-2929 |
| West Steak and Seafood | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-9100 |
| Eddie V's La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-5500 |
| In House Processing | ||
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| Starlite | San Diego CA | 619-358-9766 |
| Bare Back Grill Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-237-9990 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Alpha Phi | San Diego CA | 619-295-3173 |
| JR Produce | San Diego CA | 858-270-3857 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| Tiger Tiger | San Diego CA | 619 764 5475 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-203-8584 |
| Hillcrest Brewery | San Diego CA | 619-269-4323 |
| Bridges (at El Cajon Blvd) | San Diego CA | 619-501-9448 |
| Wynola Flats Produce | Julian CA | 760-765-2979 |
| Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-238-9880 |
| Sapori | Coronado CA | 619-319-5696 |
| 25 Forty Bistro & Bakehouse | San Diego CA | 619-294-2540 |
| Ritual Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-283-1618 |
| Heat Bar & Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-546-4328 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Harney Sushi Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| Hotel Palomar-Salt Box | San Diego CA | 619-515-4062 |
| La Costa Glen Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Toast Catering | san diego CA | 858.208.9422 |
| Horizon School | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5599 |
| Island Pasta | Coronado CA | 619-435-4545 |
| Prepkitchen Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-247-0394 |
| Come On In Sorrento Valley | San Diego CA | 858-558-8964 |
| Union Kitchen & Tap | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
| Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6800 |
| Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
| Surf Side Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619 507-0891 |
| Table 926 | San Diego CA | 858-539-0926 |
| Pascucci Pasta | San Diego CA | 619-285-8000 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Chaplos Restaurants & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-798-3888 frdesk |
| Prado at Balboa Park Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-744-3732 |
| Saiko Sushi | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Delicia's | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-8000 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
| Barbarella | San Diego CA | 858-454-7373 |
| The Village at 631 | San Diego CA | 619-255-9405 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Chez Loma | Coronado CA | 619-435-0661 |
| Bee Green Diet | San Diego CA | 858-551-1104 |
| Rubicon Deli India Street | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| Whisknladle | San Diego CA | 858-551-7575 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Davanti Enoteca | San Diego CA | 858-519-5060 |
| D Bar SoCal | San Diego CA | 619-632-7644 |
| La Villa | San Diego CA | 619 255 5221 |
| Georges on Fifth | San Diego CA | 619-702-0444 |
| Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Urban Solace | San Diego CA | 619-295-6464 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| Pacific Beach Ale House | San Diego CA | 858-581-2337 |
| Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront & Spa | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-451-9100 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760 603 3700 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | FRONT: 760-704-1000 |
| The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Crush | Solana Beach CA | 858-481-2787 |
| Sea Rocket Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-255-7049 |
| Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House | San Diego CA | 858-453-2583 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Crust Pizzeria | Carlsbad CA | 760-944-1111 |
| Hive Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-702-6010 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-436-5236 |
| Sail Ho Golf Course | San Diego CA | 619-222-4653 |
| La Costa Legends | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Tuscany | Carlsbad CA | 760-929-8111 |
| La Costa Blue Fire | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Tender Greens-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-226-6254 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| Bo Beau Kitchen & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-224-2884 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| Salad Style | San Diego CA | 619-255-6731 |
| The Melting Pot Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-234-5554 |
| Stingaree | San Diego CA | 619-544-0867 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Costa Brava | San Diego CA | 858-273-1218 |
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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Fresh Mart Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 14 days ago Spotter's comments : Fresh Green Asparagus are available . morrisons Near Dudley, United Kingdom About 43 days ago Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 49 days ago Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 77 days ago Walmart Near Clovis, California, United States About 77 days ago |
