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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
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Standard asparagus only differs from other asparagus varieties in its size, as it is specifically grown and marketed to be 9 inches in length and 16 millimeters in diameter. Its deep pistachio-green stalks are tender at the tip and slightly woody and thick towards the end, and a slight purple blush often occurs around the stalk and throughout the conical tip. Standard Asparagus' mildly grassy and sweet flavor matches that of its larger and smaller counterparts.
Standard asparagus is available in markets year-round, with its peak season in spring.
Asparagus, botanically known as Asparagus officinalis, is a member of the Liliaceae family. Considered a perennial herb, asparagus has an underground rhizome from which its edible young stems, known as spears, emerge during the spring and summer months. Asparagus plants are either male or female, the females volunteer seeds while males do not. Having less energy spent on producing seeds creates a thicker, more flavorful stalk, driving higher demand for male asparagus. This demand for male asparagus has put new cultivars on the market bred to produce only male plants. These cultivars include Jersey Giant, Jersey Supreme and Jersey Knight and all are cost efficient.
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.
Standard asparagus may be used in all recipes calling for any size asparagus. All asparagus spears should be snapped at their natural breaking or bending point. Discard the lower parts as they are too fibrous and woody to eat. 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 are most suitable pairings. Other complimentary ingredients include olive oil, aged cheese, bacon, sausage, lamb, prosciutto, cream, eggs, butter, shallots, and fresh herbs. Asparagus works well with yeasty breads, like sourdough and wheat, and grains such as aborio rice, quinoa and farro.
Revered by the Egyptians, asparagus has been cultivated and eaten as a medicinal plant in Egypt for over 2,000 years. Asparagus was so cherished by the Egyptians that offerings of their crop would be used in rituals to appease their gods. In ancient Rome asparagus was grown in gardens where the stalks are said to have reached massive sizes of up to three spears per pound. Ancient Greeks and Romans used the Persian word for shoot, "asparag", when referring to what we now call asparagus.
Asparagus is native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. Though it can be found growing wild it has been cultivated as a vegetable crop for centuries. Historically it was found growing in maritime regions and prefers sandy weedless soils. Asparagus is grown on almost every continent but prefers a temperate climate. It can be spotted at grocers and markets around the world.
Recipes that include Green Asparagus. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Green Asparagus using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Asparagus | Listen |
Description/Taste
Standard asparagus only differs from other asparagus varieties in its size, as it is specifically grown and marketed to be 9 inches in length and 16 millimeters in diameter. Its deep pistachio-green stalks are tender at the tip and slightly woody and thick towards the end, and a slight purple blush often occurs around the stalk and throughout the conical tip. Standard Asparagus' mildly grassy and sweet flavor matches that of its larger and smaller counterparts.
Seasons/Availability
Standard asparagus is available in markets year-round, with its peak season in spring.
Current Facts
Asparagus, botanically known as Asparagus officinalis, is a member of the Liliaceae family. Considered a perennial herb, asparagus has an underground rhizome from which its edible young stems, known as spears, emerge during the spring and summer months. Asparagus plants are either male or female, the females volunteer seeds while males do not. Having less energy spent on producing seeds creates a thicker, more flavorful stalk, driving higher demand for male asparagus. This demand for male asparagus has put new cultivars on the market bred to produce only male plants. These cultivars include Jersey Giant, Jersey Supreme and Jersey Knight and all are cost efficient.
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 asparagus may be used in all recipes calling for any size asparagus. All asparagus spears should be snapped at their natural breaking or bending point. Discard the lower parts as they are too fibrous and woody to eat. 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 are most suitable pairings. Other complimentary ingredients include olive oil, aged cheese, bacon, sausage, lamb, prosciutto, cream, eggs, butter, shallots, and fresh herbs. Asparagus works well with yeasty breads, like sourdough and wheat, and grains such as aborio rice, quinoa and farro.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Revered by the Egyptians, asparagus has been cultivated and eaten as a medicinal plant in Egypt for over 2,000 years. Asparagus was so cherished by the Egyptians that offerings of their crop would be used in rituals to appease their gods. In ancient Rome asparagus was grown in gardens where the stalks are said to have reached massive sizes of up to three spears per pound. Ancient Greeks and Romans used the Persian word for shoot, "asparag", when referring to what we now call asparagus.
Geography/History
Asparagus is native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. Though it can be found growing wild it has been cultivated as a vegetable crop for centuries. Historically it was found growing in maritime regions and prefers sandy weedless soils. Asparagus is grown on almost every continent but prefers a temperate climate. It can be spotted at grocers and markets around the world.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Green Asparagus. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Green Asparagus using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing 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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Hollywood Farmer's Market
Yasukochi Family Farms
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesOceanside CA 760-801-6627 About 41 days ago, 12/08/19 Sharer's comments : So nice. 
Noordermarkt
Noordermarkt Amsterdam
Near Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, NetherlandsAbout 57 days ago, 11/23/19 Sharer's comments : Noordermarkt Saturday morning Amsterdam 
Mercato Centrale
Near Florence, Tuscany, ItalyAbout 96 days ago, 10/15/19 
Vons
Vons
Near San Diego, California, United Stateswww.vons.com About 111 days ago, 9/29/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh! 
Petaluma Market
Petaluma Market
Near Petaluma, California, United States210 Western Ave Petaluma CA 94952 707-762-5464 About 179 days ago, 7/23/19 
Safeway
Safeway - Diablo Ave
Near Novato, California, United States900 Diablo Ave Novato CA 94947 415-898-1503 About 180 days ago, 7/22/19 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - De Long Ave
Near Novato, California, United States790 De Long Ave Novato CA 94945 415-878-0455 About 180 days ago, 7/22/19 
Falletti Foods
Falletti Foods
Near San Francisco, California, United States308 Broderick Street San Francisco CA 94117 415-626-4400 About 190 days ago, 7/12/19 
Harvest Urban Market
Harvest Urban Market
Near San Francisco, California, United States191 8th Street San Francisco CA 94103 415-621-1000 About 190 days ago, 7/12/19 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - California St.
Near San Francisco, California, United States1765 California Street San Francisco CA 94109 415-674-0500 About 190 days ago, 7/12/19 
Le Beau Market
Le Beau Market - Levenworth St
Near San Francisco, California, United States1263 Leavenworth Street San Francisco CA 94109 415-885-3030 About 190 days ago, 7/12/19 
Takashimaya Department Store Food Hall and Market
Takashimaya Basement Food Hall
Near Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan035-361-1111 About 195 days ago, 7/07/19 Sharer's comments : Here in the basement Market in the Takashimaya building is an amazing assortment of fruits and vegetables grown in Japan. 
Pacific Ranch Market
Pacific Ranch Market
Near Villa Park, California, United States7540 E Chapman Ave Orange CA 92869 714-639-9792 About 202 days ago, 6/30/19 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - Cresent Drive
Near Beverly Hills, California, United States239 N Cresent Drive Beverly Hills CA 90210 310-274-3360 About 209 days ago, 6/23/19 
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Near Anaheim, California, United States1120 S. Anaheim Blvd Anaheim CA 92805 657-208-5201 About 210 days ago, 6/22/19 
Wild Berry Market
Wild Berry Market
Near Minocqua, Wisconsin, United States8744 US Hwy 51 N Minocqua WI 54548 715-356-2635 About 230 days ago, 6/02/19 Sharer's comments : First of the season. Locally grown 
Mount Vernon Farmers Market
Schuh Farms
Near Mount Vernon, Washington, United StatesMount Vernon, WA About 238 days ago, 5/25/19 Sharer's comments : So excited I’m still finding local asparagus ready to grill!! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Roberto
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-805-315-0035 About 241 days ago, 5/22/19 Sharer's comments : Asparagus from Suncoast Farms! 
Broadway Sunday Farmer's Market
Alvarez Farms
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesMabton, WA About 251 days ago, 5/12/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh, local asparagus such a treat raw in Spring salad ;) 
Poway Farmers Market
Yasukochi Family Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesOceanside CA 760-801-6627 About 266 days ago, 4/27/19 
Central market of Athens - Greece 🇬🇷
Central Markets & Fisheries Organization S.A. / Farmers Market
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceTzon Kennenti, Agios Ioannis Rentis https://www.okaa.gr/ About 268 days ago, 4/25/19 Sharer's comments : Baby asparagus green! 
Ballard Farmer's Market
Lyall Farms
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesSunnyside, WA About 272 days ago, 4/21/19 Sharer's comments : Filled with antioxidants and delish sauteed with some spring garlic ;) 
Οργανισμός Κεντρικών Αγορών & Αλιείας ΑΕ
Central Markets & Fisheries Organization S.A. / Farmers Market
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceTzon Kennenti, Agios Ioannis Rentis https://www.okaa.gr/ About 275 days ago, 4/18/19 Sharer's comments : Green asparagus 🌿 locally grown 🇬🇷 Tip: add it to omelette with dill and white cheese 🍲 
Οργανισμός Κεντρικών Αγορών & Αλιείας ΑΕ
Lalas S.A.
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 286 days ago, 4/07/19 Sharer's comments : Asparagus green ! 
Certified Farmer's Market
Raul & Family Farms
Near Palm Springs, California, United StatesRiverside CA 951-475-9189 About 294 days ago, 3/30/19 Sharer's comments : Palm Springs Farmers Market Pencil Size 
Leucadia Farmer's Market
Gaytan family farms
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesAbout 300 days ago, 3/24/19 kroger Truce pkwy Near Nesbit, Mississippi, United States About 345 days ago, 2/07/19 Four Sisters Organic Farm Near Belvidere, Illinois, United States About 537 days ago, 7/30/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at Four Sisters Organic Farm. Saturday farm market @ Maggie's in Ringwood. Near Ringwood, New Jersey, United States About 574 days ago, 6/23/18 
Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market
Rudy’s Produce Antonio Buenrostro
Near Poway, California, United States, Highland 92346 909-763-4282 About 602 days ago, 5/26/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at Scripps Ranch Farmer's Market. 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - Interbay
Near Seattle, Washington, United States2001 15th Avenue W, Seattle 98119 206-352-5440 About 608 days ago, 5/20/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at Whole Foods Market. Select fresh, local asparagus from Kinney Farms in Sunnyside, WA ;) 
La Jolla Farmers Market
Yasukochi Family Farms
Near La Jolla, California, United States, Ocranside 760-801-6627 About 629 days ago, 4/29/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at La Jolla Farmers Market. 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - Interbay
Near Seattle, Washington, United States2001 15th Avenue W, Seattle 98119 206-352-5440 About 629 days ago, 4/29/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at Whole Foods Market. Pair this Local Washington Asparagus with Salmon or Cod for a delicious and healthy meal :) 
Brentwood Farmers' Market
Frecker Farms
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesCarpinteria, CA 805-455-2033 About 643 days ago, 4/15/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at Brentwood Farmers' Market. Kroger Near Perrysburg, Ohio, United States About 662 days ago, 3/28/18 Loblaws Ontario, Canada About 670 days ago, 3/19/18 
Marketplace Foods
Wisconsin, United StatesAbout 677 days ago, 3/12/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at Marketplace Foods. 
Little Italy Mercato
Luis - Suncoast Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-818-849-7918 About 686 days ago, 3/03/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at Little Italy Mercato. Very beautiful today! First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op Near Corvallis, Oregon, United States About 692 days ago, 2/25/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op. 
Little Italy Mercato
Luis - Suncoast Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-818-849-7918 About 693 days ago, 2/24/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at Little Italy Mercato. Highland Nutrition Center Near Highland, Illinois, United States About 701 days ago, 2/16/18 Piggly Wiggly Near Platteville, Wisconsin, United States About 703 days ago, 2/14/18 Real Food Market & Deli Near Helena, Montana, United States About 704 days ago, 2/13/18 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Yasukochi Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 706 days ago, 2/11/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at Hillcrest Farmers Market. 
Little Italy Mercato
Suncoast Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-818-849-7918 About 707 days ago, 2/10/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at Little Italy Mercato. First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op Near Corvallis, Oregon, United States About 711 days ago, 2/06/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op. 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Yasukochi Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 713 days ago, 2/04/18 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus spotted at Hillcrest Farmers Market. |
