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Spargelzeit: asparagus season in Germany

Arno King

Arno King

June 14, 2016

It’s spring in Germany with those beautiful, mild, sunny days; the trees clothed in tender, luminous, green leaves; and colourful flowers, such as azaleas, hydrangeas, laburnums, lilacs, rhododendrons and wisteria everywhere you look. It’s also ‘Spargelzeit’, asparagus season, and the Germans are mad about asparagus. Not just any asparagus, but white asparagus, the ‘vegetable of kings’, ‘edible ivory’, or ‘white gold’.

White asparagus sold from the farm in Germany

White asparagus sold from the farm in Germany

The German asparagus season is short, running from mid-April (depending on temperatures), until the 24 June, Johannes Day (John the Baptist Day). During this period, more asparagus is eaten per capita in Germany than almost every other country (Switzerland currently holds the record). But asparagus has a greater meaning for the Germans, it celebrates the spring season and arrival of warmer weather.

Large numbers of boxed asparagus can be seen in supermarkets, grocers, markets, temporary stalls at the side of the road and at numerous local farms. Germans pay large sums for these fresh, tight-headed, succulent, ivory spears, which they prefer to source in the local area. The asparagus is carefully graded. The best, plumpest spears are called ‘extra spargel’ and must be no less than 1.2cm in diameter, with tight heads and a velvety texture.

White and green asparagus

White and green asparagus

 

White asparagus

White asparagus is not a separate cultivar or variety, but simply the result of specific horticultural practices that take both time and care, hence the premium price. Green spears are very occasionally seen but are not as popular as the white.

Traditionally soil is heaped up some 30 cm (1 foot) high over the crowns of the asparagus plants over winter. Called ‘hillings’, they ensure no light gets to the tender young shoots. Commercially, rows are also covered with white plastic to ensure increased darkness, protection and also additional warmth.

White asparagus is always harvested by hand. There is an art to finding, gently unearthing, and then carefully cutting the tender young shoots with a special knife. I noted that the soils where the plants are grown are generally very sandy and hence provide good drainage.

White asparagus at the grocers

White asparagus at the grocers

Asparagus is one of my favourite vegetables and so I was very pleased to be in Germany during Spargalzeit and enjoy eating this iconic vegetable. I had met many people and read numerous articles that were quite dismissive of the white spears and claimed there was no difference, other than colour, between these and the more common green spears. This is not what I remembered, nor what I would have expected, given that many vegetables are blanched by excluding light to make them more sweet and tender. I was keen to try white asparagus once again to confirm my memories of a differently flavoured vegetable.

I will now place on record that following various tastings, I consider that white asparagus has a different flavor and texture to the more common green shoots. The shoots are softer, lighter and slightly more stringy in texture. The flavor is milder. But of course the colour also delights the eye, enhancing the presentation of the vegetable.

White asparagus sold from the farm. Note the aparagus peelers to the left

White asparagus sold from the farm. Note the aparagus peelers to the left

Another difference is that the white spears need to be peeled before serving, for the skins are a little coarser and have a slightly bitter flavor. A special asparagus peeler (or alternatively a potato peeler) can be used. Start preparation by snapping off the harder base of the stems. Then peel off the skin, starting from below the tip and working to the base using the peeler. Asparagus officianados have special asparagus steamers (spargeltopf) that steam the spears gently. The shoots are traditionally cooked with the peelings, a knob of butter, a sprinkling of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Cook until just tender, which is usually some 10 to 15 minutes.

Delicious green asparagus at my local market

Delicious green asparagus at my local market

I also enjoy green asparagus and appreciate that the stronger flavor and crisper texture of these shoots which are better suited to more stongly flavoured dishes or textural dishes. However the milder white spears offer a different flavor to build a recipe upon. Whilst not generally available outside of Germany and Switzerland, the gardener has the option to grow these pale spears themselves.

In Germany, white asparagus is traditionally dressed with hollandaise sauce or melted butter, which do not overpower the delicate flavor. While it is the focus of any meal, it is often served with moist, yellow potatoes or pancakes (south Germany); ham, bacon or smoked salmon; and teamed with a carefully selected white wine.

White asparagus at the supermarket

White asparagus at the supermarket

 

Growing asparagus

If you, like me, enjoy eating asparagus, it will be an essential vegetable in the garden. I think asparagus is one of the best vegetables for the busy, lazy or novice gardener. It is a very hardy and low maintenance plant. I once had a neighbor who had a plant in the garden planted by his mother some 50 years earlier. He never did anything to it and it continued to produce regularly – albeit the shoots were a little small and scrawny.

Of Eastern Mediterranean origin, asparagus has been eaten and grown since Ancient Egyptian times. It is one of those very rare plants that grows well in a diverse range of climates, including cool temperate, warm temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical. With good care, it can even be grown in many areas of the tropics.

An asparagus in the Singapore zoo

An asparagus in the Singapore zoo

Asparagus is considered a coastal plant. It grows well in sandy soils that have been well amended with organic matter. It also responds to regular nutrition, benefitting from the application of balanced ground rock minerals and manures. I know many people who swear by the use of fish manures or burying fish heads and offal nearby.

A row of 4 or 5 plants will ensure the family has plenty of succulent shoots each spring. Plant the crowns some 75 cm (30 inches) apart and allow each plant an area of some 1.5 metres (5 feet) in diameter during the growing season. If space is limited, you can tie the stems loosely together once they have matured to reduce the plants spread. Remember that asparagus is quite ornamental and where space is limited can be planted in many areas of the garden.

Asparagus plants can be tied back once the stems have hardened

Asparagus plants can be tied back once the stems have hardened

Asparagus doesn't need to be grown in the vegetable garden. This plant is in an orchard area

Asparagus doesn’t need to be grown in the vegetable garden. This plant is in an orchard area

Water during extended dry periods to ensure vigorous growth and large tender shoots. In wet climates or tropical and subtropical climates with summer dominant rainfall, good drainage is essential. On heavy clay or poorly drained soils, plants can be established in raised beds.

Another secret to growing quantities of plump shoots is not to be too greedy or extend the harvest season for too long. Depending on your climate zone, shoots will appear and can be harvested for a period of some 2 months from August to September (southern hemisphere) or April to June (northern hemisphere). The early shoots will be large, plump and succulent but as they become smaller and skinnier, this is a signal that the plant is losing vigor, the season is over and shoots should be left on the plant to grow over the summer period and nourish the plant and store nutrients in the rootstock. Newly planted crowns should be left at least 2 years before the harvest commences so they are well established. During extended dry periods water plants regularly to ensure they do not set back.

In cooler climates plants die off with the onset of frosts and cooler weather. In tropical and subtropical areas this may not occur and plants benefit from a cut back and mulch at the beginning of winter. Once plants are well established and producing well, with care it is possible to get a second autumn crop in subtropical and mild warm temperate climates. A plant can be cut back in autumn and produce a smaller crop of smaller shoots. As this might impact on spring production and plant vigour, it is recommended that plants are well cared for and growing vigorously and that this is done infrequently. Perhaps this occurs only once every 5 years on 1 individual plant. After 5 to 10 years, asparagus plants benefit from lifting, dividing and replanting in freshly prepared soil.

Florian's white asparagus beds, currently in full production Langenhagen

Florian’s white asparagus beds, currently in full production Langenhagen

I got to visit a home asparagus bed in full production. It looks like two longitudinal mounds of earth, but Florian heads out each afternoon at 6.00 pm to harvest fresh white spears. You might like to try something similar. Hill up loose soil or mulch over the crowns during winter to a height of some 30 cm high. Once shoots start to appear, carefully locate and cut them before they penetrate through the mound. This will involve daily examination, both visual and tactile (digging very gently with fingers) to find those fat white shoots.

Asparagus crowns or young plants are available in spring. These are generally ‘Mary Washington’, which is a popular, hardy, reliable cultivar. An increased range of different cultivars can be grown from seed. Cultivars with purple shoots can add interest to spring table. There are also cultivars with fatter, larger shoots. Recently I have seen seeds offered for wild clones and related asparagus species, which provide further diversity and an extended season.

A female asparagus plant with red berries

A female asparagus plant with red berries

Asparagus is easy to grow from seed and it is good to replenish established plants by having some young vigorous plants coming on which will start producing in 3 to 4 years. Asparagus plants are either male or female. Where both are grown, female plants will produce red berries towards the end of summer, each containing 1 or 2 seeds. These can be planted in prepared beds some ½ cm below the surface and watered regularly. In cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean climates, sow seeds in spring, once the ground has warmed. In tropical and subtropical climates, sow in autumn once the ground has cooled.

Fresh is definitely best and fresh asparagus from the garden is far superior to the freshest you can buy. There is nothing like fresh asparagus, picked raw and eaten in the garden. The trick to the tastiest spears is to cut them just before cooking and serving. If not cooking and serving spears immediately, wrap them in a barely damp towel and refrigerate.

Now that winter is here (southern hemisphere) it is time to trim off the foliage to ground level. You might also consider trying some white asparagus and mounding some mulch or loose sandy soil over a plant.

If you do happen to be in Germany during spring, make sure you celebrate the asparagus season and enjoy this delicious vegetable. You might even like to travel along the designated ‘asparagus routes’ and try various dishes in recommended restaurants.

 

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Linda Green
Linda Green
7 years ago

I’m with you, Arno, the white ones are superior to the green ones. Perhaps the fact that they are so seasonal and aren’t readily available where I live makes them even more desirable.

Arno King
Arno King
7 years ago
Reply to  Linda Green

Yes Linda, I am sure limited availability drives desirability. However I think the best thing is to grow your own. I hope my article inspires you.

Arno

Kathy petrik
Kathy petrik
7 years ago

Interesting article. I’ll now try to source an asparagus crown to grow in the sub tropics. Had the best white asparagus a couple of years ago in the Netherlands during the season. To die for!

Arno King
Arno King
7 years ago
Reply to  Kathy petrik

Hello Kathy

I’m glad I’m getting responses from people who are familiar with white asparagus.

If you like asparagus, I would suggest planting a few crowns. Fresh asparagus white or green is delicious. Crowns are starting to be sold now and are available on line or at the garden centres.

Arno

Carolyn
Carolyn
7 years ago

Excellent article. I was just wondering how far down to cut the crowns I planted last season – some useful information there. Thanks.
Carolyn

Arno King
Arno King
7 years ago
Reply to  Carolyn

Hello Carolyn

I would wait a couple of years before cutting the crowns back, which allows plants to establish. I would suggest leaving some 20cm of stub so you know where the plant is. If you intend to mound up and grow white asparagus, I would leave a 40cm stub.

Arno

tom Lantry
tom Lantry
7 years ago

excellent article Arno, yes it is a great plant to grow and produces for many years. regards Tom

Arno King
Arno King
7 years ago
Reply to  tom Lantry

Thanks Tom, great to hear from you.

Yes you are quite right. I think asparagus crowns are a great investment for the future as they are productive for such a long time.

Arno

Helen
7 years ago

Hi Arno
Great article as always. Coincidentally I was eating white asparagus in Germany earlier this week. Agree it is more delicate, perhaps sweeter? They tend to cook it quite soft though. But for my money I like green asparagus, cooked so there is almost a bit of crunch left, with lashings of butter and a bit of pepper. I had previously read somewhere that the thicker the asparagus spears the more flavour they have, and having tested the theory (here in Australia with green spears) I think this is correct. Skinny spears seem to be fashionable in Australia, but now I choose plump spears. Yum. Note we must always avoid the imported product, currently selling in my local greengrocer, from Mexico!

Arno King
Arno King
7 years ago
Reply to  Helen

Hello Helen

I’m a big fan of asparagus, so I like both green and white varieties and think there is a place for both on our plates. Yes I agree, melted butter is the perfect accompaniment. However I now think white asparagus has a delicacy that suits certain dishes a little better than the green. Variety is the spice of life, and I’m going to have a go at having a bit more white asparagus in mine.

I agree with you that the thick, plump spears with tight heads are the best. You rarely see them for sale in Australia. I used to think the growers must export them or send them to restaurants. The asparagus I usually see for sale is usually shrivelled and must be a week old.

I consider freshness is a critical factor with asparagus. You need to get spears straight from the farm or garden if you want the best flavour. Ideally you get the family/guests seated, the asparagus steamer going and then head out into the garden with a knife!

Like you, I avoid the imported products. Texture and flavour are paramount and asparagus must be fresh. I can wait until spring……

Arno

Andrew Kaminski
Andrew Kaminski
7 years ago

Hi Arno very good article I grew up on asparagus in Poland . It was most popular in West Poland but not so much like in Germany. Every time I pass Germany during the season I go to little towns not more than 20 k from main autobahn for a feast in small local restaurants. Start with a asparagus soup than asparagus with butter and breadcrumbs followed by asparagus with sauce hollendais with new potatoes with dill.
In Poland it was at the same time as crayfish season and that was a feast .
As I am planning to be in Germany as usual near Hannover beginning of May for asparagus and than go further up for fresh Matjas herring in Friesien land I might change my usual routine and as you mentioned that asparagus is served different way in south what to eat and where will you suggest.
Will be most great full for advice
Andrew

Arno
Arno
7 years ago

Hello Andrew

I had many delicious meals of white asparagus when I was in Hannover and Wilhelmshaven in May this year. An aunt of mine lives in Stuttgart and she was the one who told me how it is served there with pancakes.

Arno

Florian Wolf
7 years ago

Well, does this imply that one could use crowns of eg Mary Robbins, grow them under mounds of soil and harvest white instead of green asparagus ? So far I thought white asparagus is a different cultivar to the green one…

Arno King
Arno King
7 years ago
Reply to  Florian Wolf

Hello Florian

Yes, white asparagus is simply a cultural practice rather than an asparagus cultivar. If you have an asparagus patch you might like to try adding a mound now and harvesting some delicious white spears next spring.

Arno