White asparagus: The vampire in the garden – Iowa City Press-Citizen

Judy Terry, Green Thumb Published 4:43 p.m. CT Jan. 17, 2020 | Updated 6:33 p.m. CT Jan. 17, 2020

White asparagus is often about twice as expensive as its green cousin.(Photo: Contributed photo.)

Playing Trivial Pursuit during the holidays, the question to me was what makes asparagus white. With all eyes on me and several smirks, I sure didnt want to miss this one.

A better question and much more fun, might have been, What is known as the vampire of vegetables?

White asparagus is grown underground.It does not see daylight until it is harvested.

It is grown under thick layers of mulch and sometimes dark plastic so no photosynthesis takes place. The vampire makes its appearance in the markets in the spring, but it is swooped up quickly by restaurants whose chefs consider it a delicacy like no other. In Europe, where kings are plentiful, it is considered the king of vegetables.

It is grown commercially in Europe and South America and from there exported around the world. That would be the reason it is usually twice as expensive as green asparagus.

Regardless of color, there really isnt much difference between green and white asparagus, except the white may have a slightly lighter flavor than the green. That may be, however, in the taste buds of the connoisseur.

If you are lucky enough to snag some white asparagus, there are a couple rules about cooking it. The bottom two-thirds of the spears should be peeled as it seems to have thick and bitter skin. Then boil it in salted water or roast it in the oven or on the grill.

Certainly one could grow it in your home garden if you like to experiment. Green asparagus is very popular and though it may take up to three years to produce, it is a plant that likely will still be there 20 years later. I assume you could bury some to age it white.

As soon as the soil is workable in the spring you can start planting. A good number is 10 plants for each person in the family, Plant in rows and in trenches at least 6 inches wide and up to 12 inches deep.

Patience is the word for asparagus but once established you should have some wonderful eating. Burpee catalog lists purple cultivars.Easier to grow than white, I think, but it would be good to check it out.

If you want to try white asparagus, I would suggest checking your garden catalogs and local nurseries and reading thoroughly how to produce this unusual vegetable.

Just know there are vampires loose in your garden.

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White asparagus: The vampire in the garden - Iowa City Press-Citizen

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