Green Asparagus

Estimated Inventory, 11 lbs : 26.41
This item was last sold on : 07/04/25

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Description/Taste

Asparagus plants are comprised of underground rhizomes that produce upright stems that emerge from the soil and have a cylindrical, straight appearance, capped with a tapered tip. The young shoots or stems are known as spears, and the spears will vary in thickness and length, depending on cultivation methods. Standard Asparagus is specifically grown and marketed to reach up to 22 centimeters in length and 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter. The green spears have smooth, taut, and firm skin and are topped with pointed, tightly closed pale green heads. Underneath the surface, the flesh is dense, pale green, and crunchy with a slightly woody, fibrous consistency. Asparagus develops a tender, chewy texture when cooked and emit a mild, subtly sweet, bright, and grassy flavor with earthy, vegetal, and faintly bitter nuances.

Seasons/Availability

Asparagus is grown in both hemispheres, creating year-round availability. The spears have a peak season in the spring through summer.

Current Facts

Asparagus, botanically classified as Asparagus officinalis, is a perennial plant harvested for its edible young spears belonging to the Asparagaceae family. The name Asparagus is a general term used for three variations of the plant: green, white, and purple. Green Asparagus is considered the standard color of Asparagus, while white and purple are variations created through specific cultivation methods. Asparagus was once a springtime delicacy that has expanded to worldwide production to provide a steady supply of spears year-round. The young shoots are favored for their mild, grassy, and subtly sweet flavor and crunchy nature and are valued by chefs for their quick cooking times. Asparagus plants take approximately 3 to 4 years after sowing to grow edible shoots, but once they begin producing, the plants will annually develop shoots for years after. The plants are also known for their short season and must be harvested by hand, making them a labor-intensive crop, sometimes increasing their price in commercial markets, depending on the season.

Nutritional Value

Asparagus is a source of vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation. The spears also contain vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, folate to develop red blood cells, glutathione, an antioxidant that plays an important role in nutrient metabolism, and contains other amounts of phosphorus, vitamin E, and potassium. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates used Asparagus medicinally as a diuretic, and the Greek physician used dried Asparagus spears in tea.

Applications

Asparagus has a mild, grassy flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The spears need to be trimmed, discarding any fibrous ends, and they can be naturally snapped to remove the tough portions of the shoot. Asparagus can be finely shaved into salads, thinly sliced and mixed into grain bowls, or shredded into vegetable side dishes. While the spears can be used raw, they are most popularly cooked to develop a crisp, tender consistency. Asparagus can be steamed and coated in sauces and butter, boiled and served with fresh herbs, or grilled for a smokey flavor. The spears can also be stir-fried into rice and noodle dishes, blanched, chilled, and served in a vinaigrette, or baked into egg dishes, casseroles, souffle, and gratins. The spears can also be pickled for extended use. Asparagus pairs well with spring ingredients such as morel mushrooms, green garlic, wild ramps, fennel, leeks, young lettuces and citruses, meats including bacon, sausage, lamb, and prosciutto, and fresh herbs such as mint, parsley, dill, and lemon balm. Asparagus spears can be stored upright in a glass filled with a small amount of water and covered in plastic in the refrigerator. The spears can also be loosely wrapped and placed in the crisper drawer. Whatever storage method is chosen, it is recommended to consume the shoots within three days of purchase for the best quality and flavor. Asparagus can also be blanched and frozen for up to one year.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Asparagus was a prized vegetable in the cuisine of ancient Rome. The shoots were extensively cultivated in large commercial beds, and the plants were grown throughout the Roman Empire as early as 200 BCE. The term Asparagus is derived from the Persian word “asaparag,” meaning “shoot.” Over time, the word “sperage” was used, and in the 16th century, the word “sparagus” was used in English-speaking countries, eventually transitioning into Asparagus. Legend has it Emperor Augustus favored Asparagus so much that he established a team of ships and runners to quickly transport the spears across the empire to keep them fresh. Asparagus was only consumed as a culinary ingredient in ancient Rome when it was in season. Outside of its season, the shoots were dried for extended use. Drying allowed the spears to be quickly cooked, creating the phrase “Quicker than you can cook Asparagus,” coined by Emperor Augustus. Beyond cultural influences, Asparagus is found in a 4th century CE cookbook known as Apicius or De Re Coquinaraia. The shoots are featured in three recipes, including a puree, blanched and cooked as a vegetable, and served in a patina recipe, a souffle-style dish.

Geography/History

Asparagus is native to regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including countries in southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East, and can be traced back as early as 3000 BCE. Wild plants produced thin and slender shoots and were traditionally found in temperate climates along bodies of water, including lakes, riverbanks, and coastlines. Asparagus was cultivated in ancient Egypt and used in religious offerings and rituals. The shoots were also harvested from wild plants in ancient Greece and grown in gardens in ancient Rome. Over time, Asparagus was domesticated through selective breeding, creating thicker, fleshier shoots, and was eventually introduced into the rest of Europe. Asparagus was consumed in the French royal courts throughout the 16th century and became available to the public in the 18th century. Around the same time in the 17th century, the plant was introduced into New England by French and English colonists. By the mid-19th century, Asparagus had been planted in northern California. Asparagus escaped cultivation in the United States and was spread across the country, growing as a perennial in temperate regions along the East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast. Today Asparagus is commercially cultivated in China, Thailand, Germany, Peru, Mexico, and in California, Michigan, Washington, and New Jersey of the United States.

Featured Restaurants

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

AKA	San Diego CA	619-595-1450
Ron Oliver	San Diego	619-295-3172
Third Corner Ocean Beach	San Diego CA	619-223-2700
Espadin	Temecula California	951-383-5585
The Smoking Goat	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill	San Diego CA	619-497-0914
Costa Brava	San Diego CA	858-273-1218
Saiko Sushi-Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-0868
Bleu Boheme	San Diego CA	619-255-4167
Polaris Supreme	San Diego CA	619-390-7890
Frenchy's Hideout	San Diego CA	858-345-7379
Lumi	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Viejas Casino Banquets	Alpine Ca	619-295-3172
Carte Hotel	San Diego CA	619-365-1858
KI's	Encinitas CA	760-586-8289
Paradisaea Restaurant	La Jolla CA	732-915-6669
Olive Tree Marketplace	San Diego CA	619-224-0443
UCSD Health East campus	San Diego CA	619-578-3373

the other 46...

Sonny's Pizza	San Diego CA	619-432-1838
Bencotto Italian Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
Caffe Calabria Coffee Roasting Company	San Diego CA	619-683-7787
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
De La Vina	San Diego CA	619-990-6124
Make Stuff Good	San Diego CA	949-547-9470
Park Commons - ARE	San Diego CA	619-295-3172
Tahona (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Feast and Fareway	Coronado CA	619-356-5444
Slowly	San Diego CA	858-352-6080
Villa Capri Poway	Poway CA	858-391-9400
Trattoria I Trulli	Encinitas CA	760-277-9826
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC	San Marcos CA	508-320-6644
Civico 1845	San Diego CA	574-210-4025
Kappa Sushi	San Diego CA	858-566-3388
Harmony Cuisine 2B1	San Diego CA	858-737-4777
Blue Whale	La Jolla CA	808-868-8639
Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar	San Diego CA	619-840-7000
Pendry SD (Lion Fish)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
Searcher Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-861-4640
Panama 66	San Diego CA	619-206-6352
Neighborhood Burger	San Diego CA	619-446-0002
Piatti	San Diego CA	858-454-1589
The Market by Buon Appetito	San Diego CA	619-237-1335
Parisien Gourmandises	La Jolla CA	858-352-6552
Sushi Nekosan	La Jolla CA	858-999-0999
Crest Cafe	San Diego CA	619-295-2510
Brockton Villa Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-454-7393
The Cottage	La Jolla CA	858-454-8408
Pizzeria Luigi	San Diego CA	610-539-7025
Cody's La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0040
Firefly Beach	San Diego CA	619-222-6440
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Hilton Mission Valley	San Diego CA	619-543-9000
Justin Hoehn	San Diego CA	619 326 8895
Belmont Park Cannonball	San Diego CA	858-228-9283
Sheraton La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-453-5500
Bang on 5th	San Diego CA	619-677-5650
Webbcreationfood LLC	San Diego CA	619-829-9194
Hane	San Diego CA	619-339-6438
Chateau La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-459-4451
PFC Fitness Camp	Carlsbad CA	888-488-8936
Chef Drew Mc Partlin	San Diego CA	619-990-9201
Crown Point Catering	San Diego CA	619-223-1211
Siamo Napoli	San Diego CA	619-300-4810

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Green Asparagus. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Inspired Home		Spicy Tuna and Tempura Shrimp Sushi Burrito
Pumpkin & Peanut Butter		Balsamic Spring Vegetable Salad
Food In Jars		Pickled Asparagus
The Foodie Physician		Green Spring Vegetable Soup
Zen Belly Catering		Asparagus Bisque with Cayenne and Lime
My Recipe Confessions		Chicken Asparagus Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce
Rasa Malaysia		Sambal Asparagus
Seasoned to Taste		Asparagus, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Pasta
Delish Knowledge		Spring Vegetable Thai Green Curry
The Foodie Physician		Shaved Asparagus Salad with Oranges, Almonds and Manchego

the other 65...

Happy Healthy Mama		Spring Vegetable Skillet with Soft Boiled Eggs
The Bojon Gourmet		Asparagus and Shiitake Mushroom Tart with Polenta Crust
Diethood...The Eating Effect		Roasted Garlic & Asparagus Soup
Onion Rings and Things		Beer-Battered Asparagus
Life Made Sweeter		Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Dinner at the Zoo		Lemon Asparagus Pasta
The Perfect Pantry		Roasted Asparagus Hummus
Radiate Food Vibes		Quinoa Grain Salad with Fresh Dill & Goat Cheese
Recipe Runner		Creamy Chicken Asparagus Casserole
Eat The Gains		Asparagus Collard Wraps with Whipped Feta
Connoisseurus Veg		Vegna Cream Cheese & Veggie Sushi
Cannelle et Vanille		Baked Eggs with Potatoes and Asparagus
Hapa Nom Nom		Roasted Asparagus and Scallions with Perfectly Creamy Eggs
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		French Country Salad With Asparagus And Roasted Beets
Cook Almost Anything		White and Green Asparagus Tart
The View from Great Island		Asparagus Roasted with Blood Oranges
Rhubarbarians		Chive Ricotta Toast with Asparagus and Radish
Stone Soup		Asparagus Ribbons and Watercress Salad
Produce on Parade		Spring Asparagus Buckwheat Salad
Healthy Seasonal Recipes		Sesame Roasted Asparagus Salad
Life Made Simple		Asparagus Bacon Potato Frittata
Bravo for Paleo		Pesto Chicken with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Andrea Meyers		Roasted Asparagus with Orange Ginger Glaze
Feel Good Foodie		Vegan Asparagus Soup
From A Chef's Kitchen		Cream of Asparagus and Leek Soup with Curry
The Bojon Gourmet		Asparagus, Leek and Green Garlic Soup
Radiate Food Vibes		Roasted Asparagus & Hummus Gyros
I Wash...You Dry		Asparagus Pasta Salad
We are not Martha		Asparagus, Orange, and Gorgonzola Salad
The Foodie Physician		Lemon Risotto with Spring Vegetables
The Foodie Physician		Mini Spring Vegetable Quiches
Wife Mama Foodie		Homemade Veggie Sushi
Just a Taste		Baked Asparagus Fries with Roasted Garlic Aioli
Savory Simple		Asparagus Soup with Creme Fraiche and Chive Blossoms
Dessert Now, Dinner Later		Wrapped Asparagus
Vegan Richa		Lentil Veggie Asparagus Frittat
101 Cookbooks		Buttermilk Asparagus Salad
Fake Ginger		Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Feta, and Pine Nuts
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen		Roasted Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan
Garlic & Zest		Asparagus and Sun-Dried Tomato Frittata
Little Broken		Creamy Orzo with Grilled Vegetables
Domestically Blissful		Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus
Panini Happy		Grilled Asparagus & Prosciutto Panini
Dinner with Julie		Asparagus, Tomato and Spinach Frittata
Running In A Skirt		Rosemary Lemon Asparagus
With Peanut Butter on Top		Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus
Onion Rings and Things		Asparagus Mushroom Saute
Alexandra's Kitchen		Tartine-Style Asparagus and Spring Onion Croque Monsier
Closet Cooking		Lemon Asparagus and Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon
Sugar Apron		Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus with Parmesan
Vegan Heaven		Asparagus Pasta Salad
Good Dinner Mom		Sprigs in a Blanket
Lisa's Kitchen		White Bean Cream of Asparagus Soup
Kitchen Sanctuary		Spring Vegetable Risotto with Creamy Pesto
Delish Knowledge		Spring Vegetable Gnocchi
Onion Rings and Things		Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Ms. Adventures in Italy		Spiny Lobster Tail and Asparagus Pasta
Primavera Kitchen		Asparagus Sweet Potato Chicken Skillet
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Roasted Shrimp, Asparagus, And Potatoes
The Cookie Rookie		Three Cheese Asparagus Gratin
Hapa Nom Nom		Spring Vegetable Wonton Soup
The Stay at Home Chef		Perfect Roasted Asparagus
Dolly and Oatmeal		Balsamic Roasted Asparagus with Fried Capers and Seven Minute Eggs
Everyday Made Fresh		Sheet Pan Sausage, Asparagus, and Sweet Potates
Becky's Best Bites		Spring Risotto with Fresh Asparagus and Edamame