Asparagus time: The first German asparagus is finally here

Created: 2022-03-27Updated: 2022-03-27 09:18

By: Joana Lück

Every year, no other vegetable is more expected than asparagus.

Thanks to the consistently good weather conditions, the bars are already on the plate.

Hanover – As soon as the first rays of sunshine fall regularly on the ground, the first asparagus is not far off: This year, the good weather conditions in Germany meant that the spears have been harvested for a few days.

Asparagus time: The first German asparagus is here

The asparagus harvest starts at a different time each year.

(Iconic image) © coramuller/Imago

Whether baked or as a classic side dish with potatoes and ham: the asparagus season is the most eagerly awaited time of the year among gourmets*.

While the asparagus harvest has always started in April in recent years, or was only possible in March due to heated fields, harvest workers are already busy harvesting asparagus in the German fields.

From Lower Saxony to Freiburg, the many consecutive sunny days have made it possible for the bars to be on German plates for about a week in 2022.

According to the Lower Saxony antenna, the covered asparagus ridges in the fields are warm, but at the same time it is still so cold that the outdoor crops do not grow too quickly - ideal conditions for the white, green or violet spears* from the asparagus family (Asparagaceae).

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Asparagus season: Can asparagus be preserved?

Traditionally, asparagus is eaten until St. John's Day on June 24th*.

But this year, due to a lack of harvest workers from Ukraine, the total harvest could be lower, which could also drive up the price per kilo*.

In addition, due to the war in Ukraine, fertilizers and transport are becoming increasingly expensive.

So it makes sense to keep the asparagus you have grown or bought for bad times.

The following methods are suitable:

• Freeze

• The right storage

• Ferment

Before freezing and pickling, the asparagus should definitely be peeled.

Deep-frozen* in a vacuum, the sticks will keep for several months.

With the help of microorganisms, asparagus can also be preserved or fermented in jars*.

If you store asparagus in damp kitchen towels, it will keep in the vegetable drawer for almost a week.