White asparagus is a variety of asparagus that is grown without exposure to sunlight, keeping the spears a pale white color. While more labor intensive to cultivate, it is prized for its delicate, almost sweet flavor and tender texture. But with its higher cost and shorter seasonal availability, the question arises – what really makes white asparagus worth seeking out? Here we’ll explore the history, flavor, nutrition, and culinary uses of white asparagus to understand its value and appeal.
What is White Asparagus?
White asparagus, also called spargel or sparrow grass, refers to the young edible shoots of the asparagus plant (Asparagus officinalis) that have been deprived of sunlight during the final weeks of growth through hilling or covering the plant beds. This etiolation or blanching process keeps the spears from producing chlorophyll, blocking the production of green pigmentation. The result is pale ivory-colored spears with tight tips.
White asparagus originates from and is especially popular in Europe, including Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. But it can also be found from some specialty growers in the United States. Compared to the more common green asparagus, it has a short harvest season, available only from mid-March through June. Its growing requirements also make it more labor intensive and thus more expensive than green varieties.
History of White Asparagus
The early roots of white asparagus can be traced back to ancient times in the Mediterranean region. But its current form spread through Europe in the 16th century. By the 17th century it had become especially esteemed in France, noted for its delicate flavor and texture. However, its popularity and prestige reached new heights in Europe in the late 19th century.
White asparagus began to be revered as the “king of vegetables” in Europe after farmers in the sandy soils of Germany and the Netherlands discovered that hilling up and blanching the spears could produce early season asparagus with even more tender texture and sweetness. The noble class soon took a liking to these rare white spears and they became a celebrated spring delicacy, served with rich sauces and smoked meats.
Over time, this regal reputation spread, and white asparagus cultivation expanded across Western Europe. It also became a common technique in parts of Asia, like Japan and Taiwan. By the mid-20th century, white asparagus had cemented its status as one of Europe’s most prized vegetables. Though still rare, today it can be found at specialty stores globally when in season.
How is White Asparagus Grown?
Growing white asparagus requires blocking sunlight from reaching the growing spears for several weeks before harvesting. There are a few common methods used:
Hilling
One approach is gradually mounding or “hilling up” soil over the asparagus crowns as the shoots emerge from the ground. This may be done by hand or with machinery. The spears then continue to grow covered under the soil, reaching heights of 6 to 10 inches before an experienced farmer carefully harvests them by hand based on diameter and firmness.
Covering Beds
Another technique is to completely cover asparagus beds with black plastic sheets or tarps to block sunlight as growth begins in early spring. Small hoops may support the coverings. The shoots are monitored through opening the covers to determine harvest readiness.
| Hilling Method | Covered Beds Method |
|---|---|
| Gradually mounding soil over spears as they emerge | Covering entire beds with plastic sheeting or tarps |
| Lower initial setup investment | High setup cost for materials and supports |
| Very labor intensive, requires constant hilling by hand or machine | Less daily labor once covers are in place |
Growing Conditions
In addition to excluding light, white asparagus has some other specific growing requirements:
– Sandy soil – Allows the spears to grow quickly and easily underground. Heavier soils can slow growth.
– Cool weather – Thrives in spring and with temperatures between 70-80°F. Heat can make spears fibrous.
– Irrigation – Requires consistent moisture. Drip irrigation is often used.
– Low nitrogen – Too much nitrogen makes spears soft and prone to disease.
– Time – Needs at least 3 years from seed to establish healthy crowns. Spears are not harvested the first 2 seasons.
Meeting these conditions takes precise farming techniques and limits where it can be cultivated successfully. The short growing season also means very timely harvests. This level of skill and effort is a key factor in the high market price commanded by fresh white asparagus.
Differences Between White and Green Asparagus
So what sets ivory-hued white asparagus apart from the more common green variety? Here are some of the distinct characteristics of each:
Color
The most obvious difference is color. Green asparagus spears develop chlorophyll and turn green when exposed to sunlight during growth. White asparagus is simply the same plant variety deprived of light.
Flavor
White asparagus is revered for its especially delicate, sweet, almost nutty flavor. It contains less fiber and develops fructose in the blanching process, accounting for its sweeter taste. Green asparagus has a more vegetal, grassy, slightly bitter flavor.
Texture
The spears of white asparagus are especially tender. The blanching makes them grow more rapidly, resulting in softer cell walls. Green stalks can be slightly tougher and chewier.
Availability
Green asparagus has a much longer growing season, available from April to June. The tricky requirements mean white asparagus can only be harvested from around mid-March to early June at the latest.
Price
Labor intensive production means white asparagus is often over double the cost of green. Prices for white can range from $2.99 to $7.99 per pound compared to $1.99 to $3.99 per pound for green.
| White Asparagus | Green Asparagus | |
|---|---|---|
| Color | White | Green |
| Flavor | Sweet, delicate, nutty | Grassy, vegetal, mildly bitter |
| Texture | Very tender | Slightly firmer |
| Availability | March to June | April to June |
| Price per Pound | $2.99 to $7.99 | $1.99 to $3.99 |
Nutrition of White Asparagus
When comparing nutritional content, green and white asparagus are fairly similar. But some studies show white may be slightly more nutritious due to increased sugar content and higher levels of certain compounds generated in blanching. Here is how 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of raw white asparagus spears compares nutritionally to green:
| Nutrient | White | Green |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 20 | 22 |
| Protein | 2.2g | 2.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.9g | 3.7g |
| Fiber | 2.1g | 2g |
| Calcium | 24mg | 24mg |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 0.5mg |
| Vitamin C | 5.6mg | 4.7mg |
| Vitamin A | 60mcg | 52mcg |
| Folate | 57mcg | 52mcg |
A few potential benefits of compounds found at higher levels in white asparagus:
– Rutin: Antioxidant that may reduce inflammation and protect heart health
– Glutathione: Antioxidant important for immune health
– Phytosterols: Linked to lower cholesterol absorption
So while nutritionally close, the unique phytochemical makeup of white asparagus may offer some additional health perks. Both remain very low calorie, nutritious spring veggies.
Culinary Uses
The delicate flavor and silky texture of white asparagus make it a versatile ingredient when in season. Here are some of the most popular ways it is prepared and served:
Asparagus Spears
Blanched or steamed spears are a simple, classic preparation highlighting the flavor. They may be served whole, halved, or cut into lengths as a side dish. White asparagus pairs well with seafood, poultry, veal, and pork.
Salads
Thinly sliced raw white asparagus makes a tasty and elegant salad, especially with fruit, nut, or citrus flavors. When braised or roasted, it can be served warm or chilled over greens.
Soups
Pureed white asparagus soup is a popular spring starter. Spears can also be simmered in chicken or vegetable broth. Garnishes like creme fraiche or chopped egg whites complement the silkiness.
Quiches and Frittatas
Sauteed cut spears shine in egg dishes like crustless quiches, frittatas, and omelettes. Mushrooms, greens, and cheeses pair well.
Pasta and Risotto
Chopped white asparagus is excellent with gnocchi or fettuccine in spring primavera dishes. It can also be mixed into risottos near the end of cooking to retain texture.
With Seafood
The delicacy of white asparagus nicely complements more assertively flavored seafood like shrimp, crab, scallops, smoked salmon, and whitefish.
Asparagus Tart
Layered into flaky pastry with leeks and cheese, white asparagus tarts are an elegant appetizer or brunch dish.
Pickled
Quick pickled white asparagus spears lend bold, tangy flavor as a snack, condiment, or drink garnish.
Where to Buy White Asparagus
The short growing season means fresh white asparagus is highly seasonal and limited in supply. It can be difficult to find in many regular grocery stores. Here are some of the better sources to seek it out:
Specialty Produce Markets
Upscale grocers and produce markets, especially those focused on local, seasonal ingredients are the best bet for fresh white asparagus. Availability is usually April through June.
Farmers Markets
Some specialty growers at local farmers markets may have white asparagus when in season. Check for signs or ask vendors if uncertain.
CSA Boxes
Community supported agriculture (CSA) boxes with seasonal produce sometimes feature white asparagus for a couple weeks when harvested.
Online Ordering
Specialty websites offer overnight shipping of fresh white asparagus straight from limited growers when available. Prices are higher but provides access.
Canned or Jarred
Shelf-stable canned or jarred white asparagus spears are more widely available online or at some supermarkets year-round. Quality is less delicate.
Frozen
Frozen white asparagus retains texture better compared to canning and allows enjoying the flavor out of season. Cost is lower but still limited availability.
How to Store
Proper storage is important to preserve the delicate flavor and texture of fresh white asparagus:
– Stand spears upright in a container with about an inch of water. Trim the bottom of stems first.
– Refrigerate between 32-35°F for optimal freshness and to minimize bitterness from cell breakdown.
– Change the water daily and use within 3-5 days for best quality.
– Cooked white asparagus should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
– Frozen white asparagus spears last about 10-12 months before losing flavor. Blanch first for maximum retention.
– Canned white asparagus keeps 1-2 years unopened but quality is far inferior to fresh.
With attention to gentle handling and cool storage, fresh white asparagus can retain its sublime flavor and texture for several days until ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
While more expensive and difficult to source than regular green asparagus, white asparagus provides a uniquely tender, sweet, and elegant culinary experience. Much of its appeal lies in the flavor and texture gained from the labor intensive growing process. When combined with its short seasonal availability, these attributes make white asparagus one of the most prized spring delicacies. Seeking it out from specialty sellers provides the opportunity to taste this vegetable royalty at its freshest and most sublime. With a little creativity, it can be highlighted in diverse dishes and add a touch of luxury to spring meals and gatherings.