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Produce 101: Asparagus
Dan spearheads a discussion on asparagus in this edition of our series, Produce 101: Asparagus.
Asparagus History
Asparagus is a true harbinger of spring, though these days, it is available year-round. Related to the onion, this member of the lily family has been grown for thousands of years, in fact, we have historical records of asparagus being grown and eaten in Ancient Egypt as far back as 3000 BC. Asparagus was so prized that the Roman Emperor Augustus was said to have built a fleet of ships to transport asparagus around the entire Roman Empire.
How is Green Asparagus Grown?
Asparagus is unusual in that it is a perennial plant, often producing crops for 15 or more years. Even more unusual is that it takes three years for the root crown to produce a harvestable crop. As the plant ages, the spears start out thinner. Over the plant’s life cycle, the spears become thicker. They also become more tender as the root, or crown, is not striving to create spears to stand completely straight, thus creating less fiber in the stalks. Less fiber equals a more tender spear of asparagus.
Once the asparagus plant stops production at around the 15-20 year mark, they are dug up and the cycle starts all over again.
How is White Asparagus Grown?
Is white asparagus the same variety as green asparagus?
Yep, and it’s not a GMO or hybrid, but rather, white asparagus a result of altering how the asparagus grows. As the spears begin to push through the soil, farmers begin to mound dirt around them, depriving them of sunlight which in turn halts the production of chlorophyll in the stalks. Once a seasonal treat, white asparagus is now available all year long.
Are Thinner Asparagus Spears Better?
Well, the quick answer is it depends on how you utilize them. Thinner spears are better for quick cooking methods, such as steaming, sautéing and–gasp–boiling.
Thicker spears are better choices for extended cooking methods such as roasting and grilling. You might think the larger spears are tougher, when in fact, they are more tender. Why? Because there is less fiber.
Harvesting Asparagus
Asparagus is harvested by hand, making it one of the most labor intensive crops today.
California leads the way for domestic production, with Washington and Michigan rounding things out. However, the domestic crop pales in comparison to other nations, China is the leader, though the claimed production numbers are in dispute, with Peru and Mexico coming on strong as well.
Common Sizes of Asparagus
- Very Small: Less than 5/16 inch
- Small: 5/16 to less than 8/16 inch
- Medium: 8/16 to less than 11/16 inch
- Large: 11/16 to less than 14/16 inch
- Very Large: 14/16 inch and up
Note: California and Washington State have slightly different standards and nomenclature:
All sizes are based on the diameter of the stalk at the widest point of the stalk cross section.
California Size Designation and Minimum Diameter
- Colossal: 1 inch
- Jumbo: 13/16 inch
- Extra Large: 10/16 inch
- Large: 7/16 inch
- Standard: 5/16 inch
- Small: 3/16 inch
- Extra Small: Means that more than 10% of the stalks in a container are smaller than 3/16 inch.
Washington State Size Designation and Minimum Diameter
- Jumbo: 13/16 inch in diameter or larger
- Extra: Large 10/16 inch in diameter or larger
- Large: 7/16 inch in diameter or larger
- Standard: 5/16 inch in diameter or larger
- Small: 3/16 inch in diameter or larger
The Proper Storage and Handling of Asparagus
Look at the spears and select those that are the straightest and have a firm texture. Look at the tips. Avoid spears with open, loosely formed tips. Once you’ve selected your asparagus, store it cold. You can even wrap a damp paper towel around the stem ends or store them standing up in an inch or two of cold water, much as you would cut flowers.
Asparagus is a true harbinger of spring, though these days, it is available year-round.
In this Produce 101: Asparagus video…
Dan goes over the three most popular sizes, what white and purple asparagus are, and the selection and proper storage of asparagus.
Contact your Sales Consultant about adding asparagus to your next order. If you are not a customer, find out how to become one today!
Article submitted by Chef Daniel Snowden, the Director of Culinary Development for FreshPoint Central Florida. He has been in the produce industry almost 20 years, and loves getting geeky about food. Additional contributions by Lisa Brizard.
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