Frühlingszeit – Spargelzeit
The hype about the coveted white vegetable starts up again in Germany at the end of April. By the end of the season, on June 26, approximately 55,000 tons of the vegetable will have been harvested. With a total value of 175 million euros, the slender stalks have become Germany’s most important cultivated product over the years.
Although white asparagus from Mexico or California is available in the US almost throughout the year, its taste and texture does not reach the quality and aroma of its counterpart from Germany or France. White asparagus needs a specific combination of soil, temperature and rain in order to develop the perfect taste and has a long tradition of being grown in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Hesse or Alsace. More and more chefs in North America therefore import German, Austrian or French white asparagus during “Spargelzeit”. See list below.
How should white asparagus be cooked?
The best way is to cook it in boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes with some salt, sugar, and butter. Lemon juice preserves the white color. Strong spices and too much lemon juice in the stock spoil the fine asparagus aroma.
How can you tell if the asparagus is still fresh?
By the closed heads. The color of the root vegetable should be white and without any brownish discolorations. The ends of the stalks should be juicy when you squeeze them. The asparagus stalks should be firm and stocky, and the thinner the skin, the higher the value of the asparagus.
How long can white asparagus be kept in the fridge or freezer?
Wrap the unpeeled asparagus in a moist towel, and it will stay fresh in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator for up to four days. Peeled and uncooked, it can be frozen for four to six months. Frozen asparagus should not be thawed, but placed straight into boiling water.
Who serves white asparagus German-style in the US?
California
Jägerhaus Restaurant in Anaheim
D.C.
Alexander Herold – Old Europe
Florida
Barbara Hutto, Bauernstube in Orlando
Illinois
Römertopf in Mascoutha
www.roemertopfllc.com
New York
Kurt Gutenbrunner – Wallsé
Texas
Walburg Restaurant in Walburg
If you know any other German, Austrian or Swiss restaurant in the U.S., please email
the information to us at office@german-world.com