Frequently Asked Questions

Q. HOW LONG IS ASPARAGUS IN THE GROUND BEFORE IT CAN BE HARVESTED?

Asparagus is planted in the ground three years before it can be harvested for the full season. First comes the seed then comes the plant. Farmers only harvest for short period of time the first few years to allow for further growth. The mature plant is harvested all season which typically stretches up to 90 days.

Q. IS IT TRUE WHITE ASPARAGUS COMES FROM THE SAME PLANT AS GREEN ASPARAGUS?

Yes, that is true. When the spears emerge from the ground, the sunlight turns the stalks green. To get white asparagus, dirt is piled on top of the plants so that the stalks can grow underground. When the tip breaks the soil surface, the worker probes under ground with his special knife to cut the stalk. This stalk is all white.

Q. IS WHITE ASPARAGUS LESS NUTRITIOUS THAN GREEN ASPARAGUS Studies acquired by the California Asparagus Commission indicate that green asparagus is higher in a number of nutrients. For example, green asparagus contains nearly 3 grams of protein per 100 grams of edible portion while white asparagus contains slightly less than 2 grams. Green asparagus contains nearly twice the amount of ascorbic acid and calcium than white asparagus. Furthermore, green asparagus contains more than twice the thiamin and niacin. Q.  HOW FAST DOES ASPARAGUS GROW? Asparagus will grow 7" in a day when the temperatures reach 90 degrees. Some say you can lie on the ground and watch asparagus grow. The asparagus beds are cut every day and the length of harvest is generally 70 - 80 days.

Q. WHICH IS THE BEST ASPARAGUS - THIN OR JUMBO?

This is a matter of personal preference. Some people think that jumbo asparagus is old asparagus and is left in the field to get old or fat. Asparagus is harvested every day during the season - the larger sized asparagus comes from younger, more vigorous plants as a rule, while the smaller sized asparagus comes from older plants or plants that have been planted closer together. Swiss and German folks are noted for prizing the jumbo-sized asparagus!

Q. HOW MANY YEARS DOES A COMMERCIAL PLANTING LAST?

In California, a commercial planting lasts generally eight to twelve years, depending on various factors. Some fields have been known to last longer, and some not as long.

Q. WHERE IS ASPARAGUS GROWN IN THE UNITED STATES?

California produces approximately 70 - 80% of the domestic fresh supply in the United States with principal states of Washington and Michigan providing the balance. Washington directs a good portion of their production to processors while Michigan provides nearly all their production to processors, both freezers and canners. Others states also grow asparagus in smaller quantities; however, California, Washington and Michigan are considered the major asparagus growing states.