This week, LeaderBrand’s highly anticipated alpine asparagus hits supermarket aisles, grown in the fertile plains at the base of the Southern Alps, the cooler nights and warmer days grow delicious spears renowned for their sweet flavour and tender texture.
New Zealander’s tend to forget about seasonality when we are spoilt year-around with vegetables and fruit in consistent supply, but when asparagus arrives it’s a great reminder that some produce is only around for a short time and that we need to make the most of them when they’re available.
LeaderBrand’s South Island Manager, Mike Arnold, says that New Zealand is a nation of asparagus-lovers.
“This season, we’ll consume over 2,500 tonnes of these delicious spears, that’s a lot of asparagus to eat! Especially when consumers have a lot of choice right now. Fresh produce is great value at the moment and there is a lot of supply. It’s never been easier for Kiwi families to load up on nutritious fruit and veg,” he says.
“Growing asparagus is a long-term commitment. It takes three years from planting seeds from a breeder to the first harvest, unlike other crops such as broccoli, which can be ready in between 90 to 100 days. During those three years, farmers have no returns, but they have land rental, establishment costs, irrigation, and other operational costs.
“After a nervous wait for 1000 days, you hope that the asparagus seeds will grow a good robust root system because that’s where the magical green spears spring from.
Asparagus is hand-harvested in New Zealand, with each spear cut individually. “We’re hopeful that in a few years we’ll be able to access new asparagus harvesting machines which are currently in development overseas.
When it comes to enjoying asparagus, Mike Arnold advises Kiwis to eat it as fresh as possible.
“Bring it home, cook it that night, and come back for more tomorrow! But if you need to store it, the best way is to keep the spears upright in a glass of water or wrap the base in a damp paper towel.”
For cooking, simplicity is key. “Blanch or sauté the asparagus with olive oil, a bit of salt, and pepper. Let the asparagus shine – it doesn’t need much else.”
“Asparagus are one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat,” Mike Arnold adds. “Sure, it might make your pee smell funny, but that’s a small price to pay for enjoying one of the most delicious, nutritious, fresh, and local vegetables around.”
Carmel Ireland from 5+ A Day Charitable Trust agrees that asparagus are a good way to add one more vegetable to your diet.
“Asparagus provides a good source of folate, a source of dietary fibre and includes vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, B6, C and K,” she says.
Now is the time to indulge in this springtime delicacy, so head to your local supermarket and grab a bunch of fresh LeaderBrand asparagus – your taste buds and your health will thank you.