Why do Germans love asparagus so much?

No photosynthesis means no green colour. Many Germans prefer the white variety because it is thought to be more tender and less bitter. The stalks are generally thicker and longer than the green version, which has a tougher skin that makes it unpalatable.

Why is asparagus so popular in Germany?

A History of Consumption in Spargelzeit However, the annual production of asparagus averages just under 60,000 tons. So Germany imports asparagus to meet the continuously high demand for the healthy stalks. The vegetable’s popularity may in part be rooted in its long history as a luxury vegetable.

What is German Spargel?

Spargel does not look appetizing to the untrained eye. It’s a variety of white asparagus the color of larvae; when cooked, it dangles limply and is difficult to cut through. But upon taste, it’s easy to see why many Germans refer to it as “white gold” and pay more per kilo for it than meat.

Why is asparagus so popular?

Geert says the success of asparagus is easy to explain: “Flemings are eating more vegetarian dishes. Asparagus fits in well with the trend of doing more with vegetables. It’s a seasonal vegetable that many people will be employing in coming weeks. It’s also a rich vegetable with countless possibilities.

Which country eats the most asparagus?

Global Asparagus Consumption With nearly X thousand tonnes, China became the world’s leading asparagus consuming country, mixed up X\% of global consumption. The other major consumers were Peru (X thousand tonnes) and the United States (X thousand tonnes), with a share of X\% and X\%, respectively.

What is asparagus called in German?

Spargel
‘ It’s white asparagus, and Germans have a veritable passion for the spring vegetable during its short growing season. Germans are absolutely crazy about asparagus, known here as Spargel.

What does Spargel taste like?

You can cook with it in all the ways you would with regular green asparagus, but the flavor is milder and more delicate, with a slight bitterness. This dish for German white asparagus (spargel) is easy to cook and serve….Ingredients.

How do you grow Spargel?

How to Grow White Asparagus

1. Turn the soil in a full-sun garden bed with a spade the fall before planting, loosening it to a 12-inch depth.
2. Dig a 12-inch-deep furrow for each asparagus row immediately before planting in spring, after frost danger is past.

Where is Spargel grown?

The Netherlands, Spain, France, Switzerland and especially Germany are all big White Asparagus consumers. Certain regions of Germanany have very sandy soils that are particularly suited to the growing process and in these areas White Asparagus or Spargel is big business.

Do Germans like asparagus?

It is, apparently, Germany’s favourite vegetable. According to statistics, roughly 125,000 tonnes of Asparagus is eaten every year and unlike the UK, the most popular type is the white asparagus.

Is white asparagus grown in the dark?

While white asparagus is grown in a dark environment, either underground or well covered, the green version gets to soak up all the sunlight. Covering the white asparagus prevents it from producing chlorophyll, the naturally occurring chemical that turns the vegetable green.

Is Growing asparagus profitable?

This is where asparagus is perfect for small-scale farming. It is most profitable in a direct-to-consumer situation. This is because small-scale producers do not realize much profit in the wholesale market. Wholesale markets require certain packaging and cooling procedures, adding to the cost of production.