Green Asparagus

Estimated Inventory, 11 lbs : 17.68
This item was last sold on : 05/17/25

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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.

Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef	San Diego CA	347-277-1958
Costa Brava	San Diego CA	858-273-1218
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center	National City CA	619-434-4281
Espadin	Temecula California	951-383-5585
Mesa College	San Diego CA	619-388-2240
Sushi Nekosan	La Jolla CA	858-999-0999
Jensens Finest Foods - Produce	San Diego CA	619-550-2097
Crown Point Catering	San Diego CA	619-223-1211
Bleu Boheme	San Diego CA	619-255-4167
Blue Whale	La Jolla CA	808-868-8639
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Make Stuff Good	San Diego CA	949-547-9470
Stout Public House	San Diego CA	619-702-7933
AKA	San Diego CA	619-595-1450
Lumi	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Fishery	San Diego CA	858-272-9985
Chateau La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-459-4451
US Grant Hotel Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Communal Coffee	San Diego CA	619-305-9525
Relic Bageri LLC	San Diego CA	619-335-6328

the other 59...

Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
The Kitchen at MCASD	La Jolla CA	619-894-2051
Pendry SD (Lion Fish)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
L Orangerie	Coronado CA	619-571-3367
Himitsu	La Jolla CA	858-345-0220
Darshan Bakery (Del Mar)	Del Mar CA	858-925-7223
Bencotto Italian Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Crest Cafe	San Diego CA	619-295-2510
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC	San Marcos CA	508-320-6644
Raki Raki & Co.	San Diego CA	858-573-2400
Saiko Sushi-Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-0868
Chef Lance Roll	Vista CA	760-685-2433
Kinme Omakase	San Diego CA	619-231-0700
Hilton Mission Valley	San Diego CA	619-543-9000
Peohes	Coronado CA	619-437-4474
Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant	Oceanside CA	858-245-3780
BFD-Big Front Door	San Diego CA	619-723-8183
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Savory Moment (1)	Carlsbad CA	619-633-8863
De La Vina	San Diego CA	619-990-6124
Harmony Cuisine 2B1	San Diego CA	858-737-4777
Monello (Bar)	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Villa Capri Poway	Poway CA	858-391-9400
Park Commons - ARE	San Diego CA	619-295-3172
Bishop School	San Diego CA	858-459-4021
The Market by Buon Appetito	San Diego CA	619-237-1335
Olive Tree Marketplace	San Diego CA	619-224-0443
Hilton Harbor Island	San Diego CA	619-291-6700
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-380-9840
Cody's La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0040
Merenda	Oceanside CA	703-459-4145
Catania La Jolla	La Jolla CA	619-884-5350
Piatti	San Diego CA	858-454-1589
Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar	San Diego CA	619-840-7000
Sheraton La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-453-5500
San Diego Unified School- CCTE	San Diego CA	619-884-3899
Great Maple Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-255-2282
Paradisaea Restaurant	La Jolla CA	732-915-6669
Caffe Calabria Coffee Roasting Company	San Diego CA	619-683-7787
Brockton Villa Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-454-7393
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District	El Cajon CA	619-644-7585
The Flavor Chef (Catering)	Vista CA	619-295-3172
Neighborhood Burger	San Diego CA	619-446-0002
The Smoking Goat	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
Slowly	San Diego CA	858-352-6080
Sepulveda Meats & Provisions	San Diego CA	619-501-1878
Pizzeria Luigi	San Diego CA	610-539-7025
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Trattoria I Trulli	Encinitas CA	760-277-9826
Cucina Enoteca	Del Mar CA	619-239-2222
Kappa Sushi	San Diego CA	858-566-3388
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Pretty Pickled, Pretty Sauced	National City CA	619-869-9921
UCSD Health East campus	San Diego CA	619-578-3373
The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
KI's	Encinitas CA	760-586-8289
Hane	San Diego CA	619-339-6438
Kaluu	San Diego CA	619-338-9655

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Green Asparagus. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen		Roasted Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan
The Foodie Physician		Lemon Risotto with Spring Vegetables
Hapa Nom Nom		Roasted Asparagus and Scallions with Perfectly Creamy Eggs
Delish Knowledge		Spring Vegetable Gnocchi
Vegan Richa		Lentil Veggie Asparagus Frittat
101 Cookbooks		Buttermilk Asparagus Salad
Sugar Apron		Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus with Parmesan
The Foodie Physician		Mini Spring Vegetable Quiches
Connoisseurus Veg		Vegna Cream Cheese & Veggie Sushi
The Stay at Home Chef		Perfect Roasted Asparagus

the other 65...

Food In Jars		Pickled Asparagus
Diethood...The Eating Effect		Roasted Garlic & Asparagus Soup
Seasoned to Taste		Asparagus, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Pasta
Recipe Runner		Creamy Chicken Asparagus Casserole
Garlic & Zest		Asparagus and Sun-Dried Tomato Frittata
Healthy Seasonal Recipes		Sesame Roasted Asparagus Salad
Rhubarbarians		Chive Ricotta Toast with Asparagus and Radish
Everyday Made Fresh		Sheet Pan Sausage, Asparagus, and Sweet Potates
Cook Almost Anything		White and Green Asparagus Tart
Lisa's Kitchen		White Bean Cream of Asparagus Soup
Alexandra's Kitchen		Tartine-Style Asparagus and Spring Onion Croque Monsier
Dolly and Oatmeal		Balsamic Roasted Asparagus with Fried Capers and Seven Minute Eggs
Delish Knowledge		Spring Vegetable Thai Green Curry
The View from Great Island		Asparagus Roasted with Blood Oranges
Dessert Now, Dinner Later		Wrapped Asparagus
Bravo for Paleo		Pesto Chicken with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Stone Soup		Asparagus Ribbons and Watercress Salad
With Peanut Butter on Top		Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus
We are not Martha		Asparagus, Orange, and Gorgonzola Salad
Domestically Blissful		Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus
Life Made Simple		Asparagus Bacon Potato Frittata
The Bojon Gourmet		Asparagus, Leek and Green Garlic Soup
Zen Belly Catering		Asparagus Bisque with Cayenne and Lime
Dinner with Julie		Asparagus, Tomato and Spinach Frittata
Onion Rings and Things		Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
I Wash...You Dry		Asparagus Pasta Salad
Pumpkin & Peanut Butter		Balsamic Spring Vegetable Salad
Hapa Nom Nom		Spring Vegetable Wonton Soup
Andrea Meyers		Roasted Asparagus with Orange Ginger Glaze
Life Made Sweeter		Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Good Dinner Mom		Sprigs in a Blanket
Onion Rings and Things		Asparagus Mushroom Saute
Wife Mama Foodie		Homemade Veggie Sushi
The Foodie Physician		Shaved Asparagus Salad with Oranges, Almonds and Manchego
Panini Happy		Grilled Asparagus & Prosciutto Panini
Kitchen Sanctuary		Spring Vegetable Risotto with Creamy Pesto
Fake Ginger		Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Feta, and Pine Nuts
Produce on Parade		Spring Asparagus Buckwheat Salad
Dinner at the Zoo		Lemon Asparagus Pasta
My Recipe Confessions		Chicken Asparagus Pasta With Creamy Pesto Sauce
Running In A Skirt		Rosemary Lemon Asparagus
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		French Country Salad With Asparagus And Roasted Beets
Rasa Malaysia		Sambal Asparagus
Just a Taste		Baked Asparagus Fries with Roasted Garlic Aioli
The Cookie Rookie		Three Cheese Asparagus Gratin
Little Broken		Creamy Orzo with Grilled Vegetables
The Perfect Pantry		Roasted Asparagus Hummus
From A Chef's Kitchen		Cream of Asparagus and Leek Soup with Curry
Savory Simple		Asparagus Soup with Creme Fraiche and Chive Blossoms
Becky's Best Bites		Spring Risotto with Fresh Asparagus and Edamame
Vegan Heaven		Asparagus Pasta Salad
Closet Cooking		Lemon Asparagus and Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Roasted Shrimp, Asparagus, And Potatoes
The Foodie Physician		Green Spring Vegetable Soup
Radiate Food Vibes		Roasted Asparagus & Hummus Gyros
Radiate Food Vibes		Quinoa Grain Salad with Fresh Dill & Goat Cheese
Eat The Gains		Asparagus Collard Wraps with Whipped Feta
Primavera Kitchen		Asparagus Sweet Potato Chicken Skillet
Inspired Home		Spicy Tuna and Tempura Shrimp Sushi Burrito
Cannelle et Vanille		Baked Eggs with Potatoes and Asparagus
Ms. Adventures in Italy		Spiny Lobster Tail and Asparagus Pasta
Onion Rings and Things		Beer-Battered Asparagus
Feel Good Foodie		Vegan Asparagus Soup
Happy Healthy Mama		Spring Vegetable Skillet with Soft Boiled Eggs
The Bojon Gourmet		Asparagus and Shiitake Mushroom Tart with Polenta Crust