Asparagus season is kicking off this October.
LeaderBrand has been growing Asparagus in the South Island for over ten years. Grown at the base of the Southern Alps on the fertile plains of Canterbury, the cooler nights and warmer days create the perfect climate to grow the delicious spears.
Mike Arnold, LeaderBrand’s South Island Manager, said he might be biased, but he thinks that LeaderBrand’s alpine Asparagus is the pick of the bunch.
“The overnight temperatures help to lock in the sugars and flavour, making our Asparagus sweeter and juicer. It also creates that lovely green colour in our spears,” said Arnold.
“Growing Asparagus is a long-term commitment. We have asparagus plots in Lincoln, harvested for over 15 years, and Chertsey for about seven years.
It takes about three years of growth from first planting the crown to when the first harvest can be handpicked,” he says.
“Asparagus is an incredibly unique and amazing vegetable. In the season's height, Asparagus can grow right before your eyes, up to 17 centimetres in a day. It means you need a dedicated harvest team throughout the spring to pick up every day. If it's too hot, the spears can go seedy quickly.”
This seasonal gem is a Kiwi favourite, and there's no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than with a plate of fresh, tender Asparagus.
Arnold continued that Asparagus is highly versatile, goes with any meal, and is simple and easy to prepare. I think a bunch is best when it is blanched in a pan and served with butter and a squeeze of lemon,” said Mike Arnold.
The season is short, so Arnold encourages people to make the most of the produce on supermarket shelves.
“There's nothing better than savouring the simple pleasures of life. Everyone can enjoy Asparagus, whether you’re a home cook or a seasoned chef. It’s worth grabbing a bunch or two.”
Carmel Ireland from 5+ A Day Charitable Trust agrees that Asparagus is an excellent vegetable to include as part of your daily 5+ A Day.
“Asparagus provides a good source of folate, a source of dietary fibre and includes vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, B6, C and K,” said Ireland.
To keep your Asparagus fresh at home, store it refrigerated with the ends wrapped in wet paper towels or standing up in a glass of water like flowers in a vase.
LeaderBrand asparagus bunches are about to hit the supermarket and are available from early October until the end of December.
