Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Podcast
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.
Recipes that include Purple Asparagus. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared 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.| Weird Combinations |
|
Roasted Purple Asparagus with Semi-Dried Roma Tomates |
| 2 Stews |
|
Purple Asparagus with Lemon Chive Vinaigrette |
| Boston Food and Whine |
|
Grilled Purple Asparagus with Dill Sauce |
Recently Shared
People have shared Purple Asparagus using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing 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.
|
Ballard Farmers Market
Amador Farms
Near Seattle, Washington, United States4233 Desmarais Rd Zillah WA 98936 509-594-7098 https://www.facebook.com/amadorfarmsdeyakima/ About 253 days ago, 5/09/21 Sharer's comments : Purple or green, tender and ready to devour ... even raw :) 
Pike Place Market
Choice Produce & Peppers
Near Seattle, Washington, United States1514 Pike Pl. No. 4 Seattle WA 98101 206-623-9920 About 282 days ago, 4/10/21 Sharer's comments : Fresh, local PURPLE asparagus is in. So fresh you can eat them raw! 
University District Farmers Market
Canales Produce
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesYakima WA About 597 days ago, 5/30/20 Sharer's comments : Colorful, sweeter, and more tender - ready to grill! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 620 days ago, 5/07/20 Sharer's comments : In season now at specialty produce 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - South Lake Union
Near Seattle, Washington, United States2210 Westlake Ave Seattle WA 98121 206-621-9700 About 639 days ago, 4/18/20 Sharer's comments : Spring is here and asparagus abounds - finding purple asparagus is always a treat! |
