Spring brings longer days, warmer weather, and Kiwis’ favourite delicacy - asparagus. A true seasonal produce, asparagus is only around for a few months of the year, and LeaderBrand’s crop has just hit supermarket shelves after snow hit the farm in Chertsey.
“The cold snap really hasn’t impacted our crop. It’s slowed down growth for a couple of days, but temperatures have warmed up again, which will help the crop grow quicker. Our asparagus are unique to the area. The cooler nights help lock in the sugars and flavour, making our asparagus sweeter and juicer. It also creates that lovely green colour in our spears. Our bunches have hit the supermarket shelves a little later this year but the good news is that they’ll still be around after Christmas,” said Mike Arnold, LeaderBrand’s asparagus grower.
Asparagus are simple and easy to prepare, and extremely versatile. Whether you eat them raw, fried, shaved, boiled, blanched or barbequed, they’re a perfect accessory to any meal. They are a great source of dietary fibre and folate, including vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamins B6, C and K, and potassium.
“Asparagus are a great way to boost our vegetable intake in the most delicious way. Make sure you include a bunch in your weekly groceries, especially now when they are in good supply and are good value. Being so versatile means, you can find ways for the whole family to enjoy them. Nutritionally, they offer a good source of vitamins and minerals, which are important for maintaining good health,” said Carmel Ireland from 5+ A Day Charitable Trust.
