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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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Purple asparagus is a similar in appearance and flavor to both white and green varieties as its original cultivar came from green asparagus. Its differentiated by its violet hued stems and conical crowned tips, however its feathery foliage is still green. Its attractive violet coloring is only skin deep as its flesh is pale green to creamy white. It is inherently less fibrous thus more tender than other asparagus types. Also, its preferred sweetness is due to its twenty percent higher sugar content than other asparagus varieties. Cooked purple asparagus develops flavoral notes of artichoke, barley and almonds.
Purple asparagus has a peak season from spring through early summer.
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.
Purple asparagus' colour comes from the high levels of anthocyanins in the spears. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidant flavonoids that have protective and preventative health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Purple asparagus is tender enough to be eaten raw and if cooked, it will dull in color. Cooking should be done so over high and brief heat, whether grilled, sauteed or steamed. Little embellishment is needed to showcase purple asparagus' best qualities. Three ideal companion ingredients of purple asparagus are olive oil, lemon and sea salt. Spring ingredients such as morel mushrooms, green garlic, wild ramps, fennel, leeks, young lettuces and grapefruit are also quite suitable pairings. Other complimentary ingredients include aged nutty cheeses such as pecorino and alpine cheeses, bacon, proscuitto, cream, eggs, butter, shallots, herbs such as thyme and basil, yeasty breads like sourdough and wheat and grains such as brown rice, quinoa and farro. Asparagus will keep, dry and refrigerated, for up to a week. Purple asparagus will keep refrigerated for a week.
Purple asparagus was originally developed in Italy by farmers in the Albenga region. They propagated it from seeds from open pollinated female plants. It was first commercialized under the variety name Violetto d'Albenga. Cultivated and wild asparagus thrive in temperate regions of North America and Western Europe.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Purple Asparagus. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Purple Asparagus using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Asparagus | Listen |
Description/Taste
Purple asparagus is a similar in appearance and flavor to both white and green varieties as its original cultivar came from green asparagus. Its differentiated by its violet hued stems and conical crowned tips, however its feathery foliage is still green. Its attractive violet coloring is only skin deep as its flesh is pale green to creamy white. It is inherently less fibrous thus more tender than other asparagus types. Also, its preferred sweetness is due to its twenty percent higher sugar content than other asparagus varieties. Cooked purple asparagus develops flavoral notes of artichoke, barley and almonds.
Seasons/Availability
Purple asparagus has a peak season from spring through early summer.
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.
Nutritional Value
Purple asparagus' colour comes from the high levels of anthocyanins in the spears. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidant flavonoids that have protective and preventative health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Applications
Purple asparagus is tender enough to be eaten raw and if cooked, it will dull in color. Cooking should be done so over high and brief heat, whether grilled, sauteed or steamed. Little embellishment is needed to showcase purple asparagus' best qualities. Three ideal companion ingredients of purple asparagus are olive oil, lemon and sea salt. Spring ingredients such as morel mushrooms, green garlic, wild ramps, fennel, leeks, young lettuces and grapefruit are also quite suitable pairings. Other complimentary ingredients include aged nutty cheeses such as pecorino and alpine cheeses, bacon, proscuitto, cream, eggs, butter, shallots, herbs such as thyme and basil, yeasty breads like sourdough and wheat and grains such as brown rice, quinoa and farro. Asparagus will keep, dry and refrigerated, for up to a week. Purple asparagus will keep refrigerated for a week.
Geography/History
Purple asparagus was originally developed in Italy by farmers in the Albenga region. They propagated it from seeds from open pollinated female plants. It was first commercialized under the variety name Violetto d'Albenga. Cultivated and wild asparagus thrive in temperate regions of North America and Western Europe.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Purple Asparagus. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Purple 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.
Whole Foods Market
Near Pinecrest, Florida, United StatesAbout 68 days ago, 1/15/19 Spotter's comments : Fresh purple asparagus 
orange county convention
jmb
Near 9700 International Dr and Universal Blvd, Florida, United StatesAbout 156 days ago, 10/19/18 Spotter's comments : Purple Asparagus spotted at orange county convention. 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 326 days ago, 5/02/18 Spotter's comments : Purple Asparagus spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. 
PCC Community Markets - Fremont
PCC Natural Markets - Fremont
Near Seattle, Washington, United States600 N 34th St, Seattle 98103 206-632-6811 About 342 days ago, 4/16/18 Spotter's comments : Purple Asparagus spotted at PCC Community Markets - Fremont. Always a delectable, elegant experience, but now with a splash of color! Central Market Near Mill Creek, Washington, United States About 665 days ago, 5/28/17 Spotter's comments : Purple Asparagus spotted at Central Market. 
Pike Place Market
Sosio's Produce In Pike Place Market
Near Seattle, Washington, United States1st Ave and Pike St., Seattle 98101 206-622-1370 About 697 days ago, 4/26/17 Spotter's comments : Purple Asparagus spotted at Pike Place Market. Local, sweet PURPLE Asparagus, so fresh and tender you can devour it RAW 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 715 days ago, 4/08/17 Spotter's comments : Purple Asparagus spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. First of the season from Finlay Farms. 
Pike Place Market
Frank's Quality Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United States206-624-5666 About 723 days ago, 3/31/17 Spotter's comments : Purple Asparagus spotted at Pike Place Market. Mild, tender, and much sweeter than its green couterpart, spectacular Purple Asparagus! |
