If you're a foodie, you've probably heard of white asparagus, the milder and more delicate cousin of the green asparagus. Unlike its green counterpart, white asparagus is grown entirely underground, resulting in its distinct pale color and tender texture. But how does this delectable vegetable make its way from the farm to your table?

Let's explore the journey of white asparagus!

Harvesting

The harvesting process of white asparagus is a labor-intensive and time-sensitive process. Unlike green asparagus, which can be harvested above ground when the spears are around 6-8 inches tall, white asparagus must be harvested entirely underground before the tips emerge from the soil. This requires growers to dig deep trenches and carefully handpick each spear using a special tool called an asparagus knife.

Once the spears are harvested, they're sorted by size and bundled into bunches.

Processing

After harvesting, the white asparagus spears are washed, trimmed, and peeled. The tough outer layer of white asparagus needs to be removed, which is done by skilled workers who use a special peeling machine to remove the fibrous layer. The resulting tender and succulent spears are then sorted by size and quality.

Cooking and Serving

White asparagus can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming, boiling, roasting, and grilling. It's often served with hollandaise sauce, melted butter, or a light vinaigrette dressing. Many chefs also enjoy incorporating white asparagus into pasta dishes, soups, and risottos.

In Conclusion

From the farm to your table, the journey of white asparagus is one of careful cultivation, skilled harvesting, and expert processing. Its delicate texture and mild flavor make it a popular ingredient in gourmet cooking, and its unique pale color and tenderness make it a standout on any plate. So next time you enjoy a plate of white asparagus, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into bringing this delicious vegetable to your table. Order some of our Grade AA White Asparagus for home delivery during this veggie's limited Spring season!