Asparagus - White

White Asparagus spears are harvested before they emerge through the soil from the underground crowns. Stalk diameter is not a good indicator of proper maturity and associated tenderness. Quality, fresh asparagus will be bright white and firm with tightly closed, compact tips. Stalks are straight, tender and glossy in appearance.

White asparagus, known as spargel is cultivated by denying the plants light and increasing the amount of ultraviolet light the plants are exposed to while they are being grown. It is very popular in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany where 57,000 tons are produced annually. Peru is currently the world's leading asparagus exporter, followed by China and Mexico.