It’s springtime. That means sunshine, birds, flowers, and—asparagus?
Asparagus season has arrived in Germany. For many Germans, that signals the true start of spring. Not just any asparagus will do. Most folks crave white asparagus. On average, each German eats about three pounds of it each year. No other country eats as much white asparagus.
Sven Sperling enjoyed his first asparagus of the year at a restaurant in Beelitz, Germany. Many farmers there grow the thin, sprouting vegetable.
“White asparagus is definitely more delicate in taste,” says Mr. Sperling. “It’s something very special. It’s not possible to compare it to green asparagus.”
Farmers call it “white gold.” That’s not just because of its pale color. It fetches a high price. In early April, two pounds sell for up to $22.
Fun fact: White asparagus and green asparagus are the same plant. The difference? White asparagus grows underground. Farmers keep it covered as it sprouts. If sunlight touches the stalks, they will change color. First the vegetable turns violet. Then it turns green.
Jürgen Jakobs grows white asparagus. He sells the costly crop at his farm store and serves it in his restaurant.
“Asparagus is the first vegetable of spring. Asparagus is served on holidays: Easter, Mother’s Day, Whitsun,” he says. “Usually family or friends are called over and the table is set festively.”
(Are you wondering about Whitsun? That’s short for “Whitsunday.” This holiday celebrates Pentecost. That’s when the Holy Spirit came to the apostles. Read all about it in Acts 2.)
Germans often debate the right way to eat asparagus. With melted butter or Hollandaise sauce? With ham or schnitzel on the side? Should you eat it with a fork and knife? Or should you dive right in with your fingers?
For Mr. Jakobs, nothing beats the old-school experience.
“Buying it fresh from the farm, peeling it yourself at home, and celebrating the preparation with the family at the weekend—it couldn’t be better,” he says.
For as the Earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. — Isaiah 61:11
