ASPARAGUS 101: FROM THE FIELDS TO YOUR TABLE
At Fruitezy, we’re passionate about bringing you the freshest, most delicious produce, and asparagus is no exception! This nutrient-packed vegetable has earned its place in Australian kitchens and on restaurant menus, not just for its flavour but also for its quality. Let’s take a look at why Australian asparagus is so special and how to select, store, and prepare it to perfection.
A Spear of Pride: The Facts
Homegrown Goodness: Did you know that over 95% of Australia’s asparagus is grown in Victoria? Our local farmers put immense care into growing, harvesting, and packing these spears, ensuring they reach your plate at peak freshness.
Clean, Green, and Safe: Australian asparagus is known worldwide for its pristine growing conditions, with a reputation for being clean, green, and safe to eat. Its luscious taste and texture make it highly sought after, both here at home and in international markets.
Domestic and Export: Around 70% of Australia’s asparagus is enjoyed by domestic consumers, while 30% finds its way to global kitchens.
Labour-Intensive Harvesting: Each asparagus spear is carefully harvested by hand, often at the crack of dawn. Why? To capture the perfect length and preserve its fresh, crisp quality. That’s the kind of detail and dedication that goes into every bunch you see at Fruitezy.
When Is Asparagus in Season?
Australian asparagus is at its prime from September to March, with the peak harvest in September, October, and November. During off-seasons or when local supplies are limited, imports help ensure you can always enjoy this delicious veggie.
How to Select the Best Asparagus
Look for Firmness: Choose spears that are firm, bright, and smooth with uniform size and tightly closed tips.
Snap Test: When you snap a fresh asparagus spear, it should break easily with a crisp, moist snap—indicating its juiciness and freshness.
Storing Asparagus: Keep It Fresh Like a Flower!
Asparagus behaves a lot like cut flowers. To keep it fresher for longer:
Option 1: Wrap the spears in a damp tea towel, place them in a plastic bag, and store them in the crisper of your refrigerator.
Option 2: Stand the spears upright in a container with 1cm of cold water, cover them, and refrigerate.
Preparing Asparagus: Easy Tips
Snapping Off Woody Ends: Hold the spear at both ends and bend it gently. It will naturally snap at the point where the woody part begins. Or, simply run a knife along the stalk until you find less resistance and cut the end.
Cooking & Serving: Asparagus is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed raw in salads and salsas, or cooked in a variety of dishes. Whether grilled, steamed, or stir-fried, it adds a fresh crunch and unique flavour to your meals.
At Fruitezy, we pride ourselves on offering the finest Australian asparagus, straight from the farm to your table. Enjoy the season while it lasts and discover new ways to make this amazing veggie the star of your next meal!