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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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Large asparagus are varieties that maintain their quintessential textural and flavor qualities even at mature sizes. They have plump pale green stalks with knobby scales and cruciferous-tree shaped tips. They are firm in texture with balsam aromatics and their flavor is grassy, nutty and earthy sweet.
Asparagus appears in markets year-round, the peak of this crop's season is in spring.
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. Large asparagus are harvested and sold in uniform sizes according to the diameter of the spears. The thickness varies minimally, marketed at 17 to 19 mm (roughly two thirds of an inch).
Asparagus is an excellent source of Vitamin K. It also contains more glutathione than any other fruit or vegetable. This antioxidant plays an important role in the prevention of certain cancers and diseases, nutrient metabolism and regulating DNA and protein synthesis.
All asparagus spears should be snapped at their natural breaking or bending point. Discard the lower parts as they are more fibrous and woody. Jumbo asparagus can be sauteed, steamed, boiled, baked and fried. Spring ingredients such as morel mushrooms, green garlic, wild ramps, fennel, leeks, young lettuces and citruses such as lemon and grapefruit are most suitable pairings. Other complimentary ingredients include aged nutty cheeses such as pecorino and alpine cheeses, bacon, sausage, lamb, proscuitto, cream, eggs, butter, shallots, herbs such as thyme, basil and chervil, yeasty breads like sourdough and wheat and grains such as aborio rice, quinoa and farro.
Asparagus is native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. Though widely found growing wild it is has been cultivated as a vegetable crop for centuries. The cultivation of asparagus is a long term commitment. Not only does it take two to three years for the plant to yield its first crop, the plants can potentially continue to produce from fifteen to thirty years of harvests. Asparagus plants are prolific growers, creating ten inch shoots that emerge from the soil within 24 hours under ideal growing conditions. You may witness asparagus "growing" once picked. This is because asparagus spears absorb moisture from the air which creates a swelling in size. Feathered fern-like foliage and flowers indicate the end of the plant's season for the year. Its seeds are carried by birds, allowing for domesticated crops to easily escape into wild domain, creating future populations. As it was historically found growing in maritime regions, it prefers sandy weedless soils. Cultivated and wild asparagus thrive in temperate regions of North America and Western Europe.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
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Description/Taste
Large asparagus are varieties that maintain their quintessential textural and flavor qualities even at mature sizes. They have plump pale green stalks with knobby scales and cruciferous-tree shaped tips. They are firm in texture with balsam aromatics and their flavor is grassy, nutty and earthy sweet.
Seasons/Availability
Asparagus appears in markets year-round, the peak of this crop's season is in spring.
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. Large asparagus are harvested and sold in uniform sizes according to the diameter of the spears. The thickness varies minimally, marketed at 17 to 19 mm (roughly two thirds of an inch).
Nutritional Value
Asparagus is an excellent source of Vitamin K. It also contains more glutathione than any other fruit or vegetable. This antioxidant plays an important role in the prevention of certain cancers and diseases, nutrient metabolism and regulating DNA and protein synthesis.
Applications
All asparagus spears should be snapped at their natural breaking or bending point. Discard the lower parts as they are more fibrous and woody. Jumbo asparagus can be sauteed, steamed, boiled, baked and fried. Spring ingredients such as morel mushrooms, green garlic, wild ramps, fennel, leeks, young lettuces and citruses such as lemon and grapefruit are most suitable pairings. Other complimentary ingredients include aged nutty cheeses such as pecorino and alpine cheeses, bacon, sausage, lamb, proscuitto, cream, eggs, butter, shallots, herbs such as thyme, basil and chervil, yeasty breads like sourdough and wheat and grains such as aborio rice, quinoa and farro.
Geography/History
Asparagus is native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. Though widely found growing wild it is has been cultivated as a vegetable crop for centuries. The cultivation of asparagus is a long term commitment. Not only does it take two to three years for the plant to yield its first crop, the plants can potentially continue to produce from fifteen to thirty years of harvests. Asparagus plants are prolific growers, creating ten inch shoots that emerge from the soil within 24 hours under ideal growing conditions. You may witness asparagus "growing" once picked. This is because asparagus spears absorb moisture from the air which creates a swelling in size. Feathered fern-like foliage and flowers indicate the end of the plant's season for the year. Its seeds are carried by birds, allowing for domesticated crops to easily escape into wild domain, creating future populations. As it was historically found growing in maritime regions, it prefers sandy weedless soils. Cultivated and wild asparagus thrive in temperate regions of North America and Western Europe.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Elks Lodge 2698 | Lakeside CA | 619-390-4949 |
| Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Rosewood Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5886 |
| Thyme for Something Homemade | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-245-1004 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Seasalt | Del Mar CA | 858-755-7100 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | |
| Ron Oliver | San Diego | 619-295-3172 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Cardellino | San Diego CA | 619-722-3398 |
| Searcher | San Diego CA | 619-226-2403 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Hilton Garden Inn | San Diego CA | 858-720-9500 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| Flour Child Baking Company | San Marcos CA | 858-437-7884 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-721-3737 |
| Il Dandy | San Diego CA | 609-373-5917 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| Pacific Beach Ale House | San Diego CA | 858-581-2337 |
| UCSD La Jolla (Pritikin Intensive) | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
| Sheldons Service Station | La Mesa CA | 619-741-8577 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Capri Blu 2020 | San Diego CA | 858-673-5100 |
| St. Paul's Plaza | Chula Vista CA | 619-788-8570 |
| The Seabird Resort | Oceanside CA | 951-704-9703 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| Villa Capri Poway | Poway CA | 858-391-9400 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Viejas Casino Banquets | Alpine Ca | 619-295-3172 |
| Marriott Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-696-0234 x6051 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
| Hyatt Islandia | San Diego CA | 619-224-1234 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Beach Plum Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-688-8682 |
| Union Kitchen & Tap (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
| The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-670-5807 |
| The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Le Papagayo (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-944-8252 |
| Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Blade 1936 | Oceanside CA | 760-231-1456 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Love Boat Sushi-San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-471-7722 |
| Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Rosemary Trattoria | Coronado CA | 619-669-8435 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill | San Diego CA | 619-497-0914 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Backyard Kitchen & Tap | San Diego CA | 619-308-6500 |
| Bang Bang 2021 | San Diego CA | 352-988-3742 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-451-9100 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| Duke's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-1999 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| The Rose | San Diego CA | 619-572-7671 |
| Town & Country San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 x4 |
| Vineyard Gourmet Catering | Temecula CA | 951-858-1585 |
| Fleming's Steakhouse La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-535-0078 |
| Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Davanti Enoteca India St. | San Diego CA | |
| Pure Meal Prep SD | San Diego CA | 209-485-4861 |
| The Crossings | Carlsbad CA | 760-444-1800 |
| Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-6360 |
| Farm Fresh Meals | San Diego CA | 760-707-2383 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| ALCE 101 | Solana Beach CA | 619-886-0059 |
| Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Cody's at the Cove | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0040 |
| Revolution Roasters | Oceanside CA | 760-330-6827 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
| The Original 40 Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-206-4725 |
| Larsen's Steakhouse - La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-886-7561 |
| Swagyu Chop Shop | Imperial Beach CA | 858-822-8377 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Eddie V's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-459-5500 |
| Mangia Mangia (Mirarmar) | San Diego CA | 858-736-5733 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Asti Ristorante | San Diego CA | 619-232-8844 |
| Paradise Point Resort Barefoot | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Sushi Kami | San Diego CA | 858-451-7799 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Great Maple La Jolla UTC | San Diego CA | 858-886-7403 |
| Eve-Creations Wellness | Encinitas CA | 775-450-7235 |
| Barbusa | San Diego CA | 619-297-6333 |
| Oscars Brewing Company | Temecula CA | 619-695-2422 |
| La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Et Voilà! French Bistro | San Diego CA | 858-610-8784 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House | San Diego CA | 858-453-2583 |
| Bobs Specialty Meats | Escondido CA | 760-839-6850 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 x212 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Ballast Point Restaurant - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-298-2337 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Scuderie Italia | San Diego CA | 858-352-6912 |
| Bernini's Bistro | La Jolla CA | 858-454-5013 |
| Marriott Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-369-6029 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| Costa Brava | San Diego CA | 858-273-1218 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Sabuku Sushi | San Diego CA | 619-281-9700 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Large Asparagus. One
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