Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
White asparagus is available year round.
Current Facts
White asparagus, botanical name Asparagus officinalis, is a member of the Liliaceae family. White asparagus is derived from the same varieties as green asparagus, however its growing method separates it from other varieties; while being cultivated, it has never seen the light of day: soil is mounded over the asparagus plants to prevent the sun's rays from producing chlorophyll as they grow. Therefor it matures without color, making it the albino version of asparagus. When the slightest sight of a tip protrudes from the earth, the plant is picked.
Description/Taste
Ideal white asparagus spears are pearly white, thick and rounded, about 6 to 8 inches in length with Christmas tree shaped crowns. Their flavor is mild, slightly herbaceous, earthy and nutty with notes of artichoke and fresh white corn.
Applications
As it hasn't received the nutritional elements of light, white asparagus is more brittle than green asparagus and must be used soon after harvest or the spears quickly turn fibrous and bitter, rendering them inedible. White salad asparagus are tender and sweet, and can be eaten raw or cooked. Saute chopped white asparagus with shrimp or scallops, or cook quickly in brown butter and serve as a side. Thinly slice the asparagus spears on a diagonal, then toss with chopped watercress, shaved pecorino romano and vinaigrette. Fill a tart shell with beaten eggs, milk and cheese, then top with chopped white and green asparagus and bake. Blanche asparagus spears and toss with fried potatoes and cheese, then serve as a side dish. White asparagus will keep, dry and refrigerated, for up to 10 days.
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, though, is that most other edible vegetation does not thrive in sandy soil conditions. Cultivated and wild asparagus thrive in temperate regions of North America and Western Europe.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Under Belly | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Bistro West | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-9195 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Siesel's Meats | San Diego CA | 619-275-1234 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 800 843 4661 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| LaCasse Maritime | Bothell WA | 206 545 2201 |
| Tapenade | San Diego CA | 858-551-7500 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Whisknladle | San Diego CA | 858-551-7575 |
| Searsucker | San Diego CA | 619-233-7327 |
| Hotel Palomar-Salt Box | San Diego CA | 619-515-4062 |
| Aloha Catering | San Diego CA | 619-588-0586 |
| Marine Room | San Diego CA | 858-551-4676 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include White Asparagus. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted White 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 9 days ago Spotter's comments : Fresh White asparagus are available . ???? | GL Japan Plaza Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 31 days ago Spotter's comments : Fresh Asparagus from Shanghai. Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 44 days ago Ocado Yorkshire Near Bradford, United Kingdom About 70 days ago Ocado Yorkshire Near Bradford, United Kingdom About 99 days ago Whole Foods Market Near Lake Grove, New York, United States About 114 days ago |
