




Green Asparagus
Inventory, 11 lbs : 35.39
This item was last sold on : 01/26/23
Food Buzz: History of Asparagus |
Description/Taste
Asparagus plants are comprised of underground rhizomes that produce upright stems that emerge from the soil and have a cylindrical, straight appearance, capped with a tapered tip. The young shoots or stems are known as spears, and the spears will vary in thickness and length, depending on cultivation methods. Standard Asparagus is specifically grown and marketed to reach up to 22 centimeters in length and 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter. The green spears have smooth, taut, and firm skin and are topped with pointed, tightly closed pale green heads. Underneath the surface, the flesh is dense, pale green, and crunchy with a slightly woody, fibrous consistency. Asparagus develops a tender, chewy texture when cooked and emit a mild, subtly sweet, bright, and grassy flavor with earthy, vegetal, and faintly bitter nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Asparagus is grown in both hemispheres, creating year-round availability. The spears have a peak season in the spring through summer.
Current Facts
Asparagus, botanically classified as Asparagus officinalis, is a perennial plant harvested for its edible young spears belonging to the Asparagaceae family. The name Asparagus is a general term used for three variations of the plant: green, white, and purple. Green Asparagus is considered the standard color of Asparagus, while white and purple are variations created through specific cultivation methods. Asparagus was once a springtime delicacy that has expanded to worldwide production to provide a steady supply of spears year-round. The young shoots are favored for their mild, grassy, and subtly sweet flavor and crunchy nature and are valued by chefs for their quick cooking times. Asparagus plants take approximately 3 to 4 years after sowing to grow edible shoots, but once they begin producing, the plants will annually develop shoots for years after. The plants are also known for their short season and must be harvested by hand, making them a labor-intensive crop, sometimes increasing their price in commercial markets, depending on the season.
Nutritional Value
Asparagus is a source of vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation. The spears also contain vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, folate to develop red blood cells, glutathione, an antioxidant that plays an important role in nutrient metabolism, and contains other amounts of phosphorus, vitamin E, and potassium. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates used Asparagus medicinally as a diuretic, and the Greek physician used dried Asparagus spears in tea.
Applications
Asparagus has a mild, grassy flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The spears need to be trimmed, discarding any fibrous ends, and they can be naturally snapped to remove the tough portions of the shoot. Asparagus can be finely shaved into salads, thinly sliced and mixed into grain bowls, or shredded into vegetable side dishes. While the spears can be used raw, they are most popularly cooked to develop a crisp, tender consistency. Asparagus can be steamed and coated in sauces and butter, boiled and served with fresh herbs, or grilled for a smokey flavor. The spears can also be stir-fried into rice and noodle dishes, blanched, chilled, and served in a vinaigrette, or baked into egg dishes, casseroles, souffle, and gratins. The spears can also be pickled for extended use. Asparagus pairs well with spring ingredients such as morel mushrooms, green garlic, wild ramps, fennel, leeks, young lettuces and citruses, meats including bacon, sausage, lamb, and prosciutto, and fresh herbs such as mint, parsley, dill, and lemon balm. Asparagus spears can be stored upright in a glass filled with a small amount of water and covered in plastic in the refrigerator. The spears can also be loosely wrapped and placed in the crisper drawer. Whatever storage method is chosen, it is recommended to consume the shoots within three days of purchase for the best quality and flavor. Asparagus can also be blanched and frozen for up to one year.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Asparagus was a prized vegetable in the cuisine of ancient Rome. The shoots were extensively cultivated in large commercial beds, and the plants were grown throughout the Roman Empire as early as 200 BCE. The term Asparagus is derived from the Persian word “asaparag,” meaning “shoot.” Over time, the word “sperage” was used, and in the 16th century, the word “sparagus” was used in English-speaking countries, eventually transitioning into Asparagus. Legend has it Emperor Augustus favored Asparagus so much that he established a team of ships and runners to quickly transport the spears across the empire to keep them fresh. Asparagus was only consumed as a culinary ingredient in ancient Rome when it was in season. Outside of its season, the shoots were dried for extended use. Drying allowed the spears to be quickly cooked, creating the phrase “Quicker than you can cook Asparagus,” coined by Emperor Augustus. Beyond cultural influences, Asparagus is found in a 4th century CE cookbook known as Apicius or De Re Coquinaraia. The shoots are featured in three recipes, including a puree, blanched and cooked as a vegetable, and served in a patina recipe, a souffle-style dish.
Geography/History
Asparagus is native to regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including countries in southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East, and can be traced back as early as 3000 BCE. Wild plants produced thin and slender shoots and were traditionally found in temperate climates along bodies of water, including lakes, riverbanks, and coastlines. Asparagus was cultivated in ancient Egypt and used in religious offerings and rituals. The shoots were also harvested from wild plants in ancient Greece and grown in gardens in ancient Rome. Over time, Asparagus was domesticated through selective breeding, creating thicker, fleshier shoots, and was eventually introduced into the rest of Europe. Asparagus was consumed in the French royal courts throughout the 16th century and became available to the public in the 18th century. Around the same time in the 17th century, the plant was introduced into New England by French and English colonists. By the mid-19th century, Asparagus had been planted in northern California. Asparagus escaped cultivation in the United States and was spread across the country, growing as a perennial in temperate regions along the East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast. Today Asparagus is commercially cultivated in China, Thailand, Germany, Peru, Mexico, and in California, Michigan, Washington, and New Jersey of the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-670-5807 |
Neighborhood Burger | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
Now Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-246-6179 |
Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
Prager Brothers Artisan Bread | Carlsbad CA | 760-445-9536 |
AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
Rosemary Trattoria | Coronado CA | 619-669-8435 |
Harmony Cuisine 2B1 | San Diego CA | 858-737-4777 |
Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
Harbor Breakfast | San Diego CA | 619-888-6586 |
Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
Ballast Point Rest. - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-298-2337 |
Zinque | San Diego CA | 559-281-2485 |
Witts Pickles | San Diego CA | 818-635-7587 |
619 Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-647-4409 |
Cody's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0040 |
Sheldons Service Station | La Mesa CA | 619-741-8577 |
The Butchery | San Diego CA | 858-345-1524 |
Berry Good Food Foundation | La Jolla CA | 619-666-1633 |
Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
James Coffee Co. Escondido | Escondido CA | 619-961-5805 |
Caffe Calabria Coffee Roasting Company | San Diego CA | 619-683-7787 |
Full Moon | San Diego CA | 619-233-3711 |
Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 |
Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
The Guild Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
Dope Ass Meals | San Diego CA | 619-884-3905 |
Park 101 | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-2217 |
Communal Coffee - Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 619-920-7887 |
Solterra Winery + Kitchen | Encinitas CA | 858-245-6146 |
Bang Bang 2021 | San Diego CA | 619-382-8938 |
Wonderland Ocean Pub | San Diego CA | 619-255-3358 |
Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
Bantams Roost Public House | Carlsbad CA | 858-245-7166 |
Chefs SD | San Diego CA | 619-800-3860 |
Hotel Palomar-Salt Box Banquets | San Diego CA | 619-515-3003 |
La Costa Glen South | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
Webbcreationfood LLC | San Diego CA | 619-829-9194 |
Morgan Run Resort and Club | Rancho Sante Fe CA | 858-759-5473 |
Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
Siesel's Meats | San Diego CA | 619-275-1234 |
US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
Michele Coulon Dessertier | San Diego CA | 858-456-5098 |
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
The Corner Drafthouse | San Diego CA | 619-255-2631 |
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
Flap Your Jacks | San Diego CA | 858-224-7442 |
Mimmos Italian Village | San Diego CA | 619-239-3710 |
Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
Pendry SD (Pendry Banquets) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
Stout Public House | San Diego CA | 619-702-7933 |
Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
Rubicon Deli India Street | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-696-6300 |
Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef | San Diego CA | 347-277-1958 |
Black Radish | San Diego CA | 619-775-7412 |
The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-232-9840 |
Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
Mete Supper Club | San Diego CA | 619-549-9672 |
La Costa Glen North | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1436 |
Ciccia Osteria | San Diego CA | 619-674-4069 |
The Lab Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 619-861-8299 |
Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
Justin Hoehn | San Diego CA | 619-326-8895 |
Juan Tequila | San Diego CA | 520-395-7565 |
Wolfies Carousel | San Diego CA | 909-477-1291 |
Humphery's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
UCSD La Jolla (Pritikin Intensive) | San Diego CA | 858-657-6473 |
MCRD-Marine Corps Recruit Dept | San Diego CA | 619-725-6478 |
The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-277-9826 |
Jensens Finest Foods - Produce | San Diego CA | 619-550-2097 |
Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Jujus Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-471-5342 |
Paradise Point Resort BQT Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
Chef Lance Roll | Vista CA | 760-685-2433 |
Oak and Elixir | Carlsbad CA | 760-473-1097 |
Cloak and Petal | San Diego CA | 619-634-3970 |
The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
Hotel La Jolla & CUSP -CLK | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
Hane | San Diego CA | 619-339-6438 |
Ju-Ichi | San Diego CA | 619-800-2203 |
Saiko Sushi-North Park | San Diego CA | 619-886-6656 |
Known Spoilage | ||
Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
Sushi Nekosan | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0999 |
The Monsaraz | San Diego CA | 858-760-6228 |
Costa Brava | San Diego CA | 858-273-1218 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Green Asparagus. One

Recently Shared
People have shared Green 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.
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Whole Foods Market
Near London, United Kingdom63-97 Kensington High St, London W8 5SE, United Kingdom About a day ago, 1/26/23 ![]() ![]()
Whole Foods Market
Near Upper Woburn PlaceEuston Road (Stop L), United Kingdom49 Parkway, London NW1 7PN, United Kingdom About 2 days ago, 1/25/23 ![]() About 34 days ago, 12/24/22 Sharer's comments : at Gaytan Farmers Market ![]() ![]()
Antonio Farms
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 62 days ago, 11/26/22 ![]() About 106 days ago, 10/13/22 ![]() ![]()
Antonio Farms
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 110 days ago, 10/09/22 ![]() ![]()
Gaytan Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 181 days ago, 7/30/22 ![]() About 223 days ago, 6/18/22 ![]() ![]()
Yasukochi Family Farm
Near La Jolla, California, United StatesOceanside, CA About 229 days ago, 6/12/22 ![]() ![]()
Mendoza Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc, CA 805-315-4649 About 240 days ago, 6/01/22 ![]() ![]() About 241 days ago, 5/31/22 ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suit 150, San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 262 days ago, 5/10/22 Sharer's comments : Asparagus from Mendoza Family Farms ![]() ![]()
Mendoza Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc, CA 805-315-4649 About 268 days ago, 5/04/22 ![]() ![]()
Mercato dell' Unità
Near Rome, Italyingresso principale in, Piazza dell' Unità, Via Cola di Rienzo, 53, 00192 Roma RM https://mercatounita.it About 268 days ago, 5/04/22 ![]() ![]()
Mendoza Family Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 282 days ago, 4/20/22 Sharer's comments : Sweet Green Asparagus from Mendoza Farms ![]() ![]()
Smit Farms
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesLinden, CA About 286 days ago, 4/16/22 ![]() ![]()
Mendoza Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc, CA 805-315-4649 About 289 days ago, 4/13/22 ![]() ![]()
Antonio Buenrostro Produce Farms
Near Joshua Tree, California, United States2735 Madision St, Riverside, CA About 293 days ago, 4/09/22 ![]() ![]()
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc,CA 1-805-315-0035 About 296 days ago, 4/06/22 ![]() ![]()
Hayashi Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesArroyo Grande, CA About 306 days ago, 3/27/22 ![]() ![]()
iN's Mercato S.p.A.
Liguria, ItalyCorso Cavour, 252, 19122 La Spezia SP About 309 days ago, 3/24/22 ![]() ![]()
Mendoza Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc,CA About 310 days ago, 3/23/22 ![]() ![]()
Suncoast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc, CA 1-805-315-0035 About 317 days ago, 3/16/22 ![]() ![]() About 320 days ago, 3/13/22 Sharer's comments : Asparagus from Mendoza Family Farms ![]() ![]() About 327 days ago, 3/06/22 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus from Mendoza Family Farms ![]() ![]()
Mendoza Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 335 days ago, 2/26/22 Sharer's comments : Green Asparagus from Mendoza Family Farms ![]() About 337 days ago, 2/24/22 ![]() ![]() About 337 days ago, 2/24/22 Sharer's comments : Asparagus from Mendoza Farms ![]() ![]()
Sun Coast Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLompoc,CA 1-805-315-0035 About 338 days ago, 2/23/22 ![]() About 346 days ago, 2/14/22 Sharer's comments : asparagus ![]() ![]() About 348 days ago, 2/13/22 ![]() ![]()
Antonio Buenrostro Produce Farms
Near Poway, California, United States2735 Madision St, Riverside, CA About 442 days ago, 11/11/21 ![]() ![]()
Gaytan Family Farm
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 467 days ago, 10/17/21 ![]() ![]()
Mendoza Family Farms
Near Santa Barbara, California, United StatesAbout 489 days ago, 9/25/21 Sharer's comments : Asparagus from Mendoza Farms ![]() ![]() About 560 days ago, 7/16/21 Sharer's comments : Asparagus mini 🌱 ![]() ![]() About 623 days ago, 5/14/21 Sharer's comments : Fresh, local asparagus still available. Look at these beauties!! ![]() ![]()
Tonnemaker Valley Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States16211 140th Place NE Woodinville WA 98072 206-930-1565 https://www.tonnemaker.com About 643 days ago, 4/24/21 Sharer's comments : Excited to still see fresh, local asparagus. These are beauties!! |