Asparagus 101
- Jen Vondenbrink
- Apr 27
- 4 min read
Between March and June, you can find locally grown asparagus at farmstands, grocery stores, and specialty markets. You may even be able to find white asparagus, which is a treat. Asparagus will keep in the fridge for 5-7 days, but you want to use it before the heads of the asparagus begin to open. If your asparagus becomes limp, pop it into a cup of water to refresh it. In this article, I'll answer your most pressing questions about when & where to buy asparagus, how to store it for the best flavor, and a quick & simple Roasted Asparagus recipe.
Spring has sprung, and with it comes a true culinary delight: fresh, local asparagus! After a long winter, the arrival of these tender green spears is a cause for celebration. This guide is for all of you eager to make the most of this seasonal treasure.
Let's dive deeper into your most common questions:
Where can I find local asparagus? (with resources for those of you in Massachusetts)
When is the best time or season to buy asparagus?
The asparagus season around the world runs from March to July for local asparagus. I’ve grown asparagus before. It may take a season or two, but then you are rewarded with a perennial plant that provides a delicious treat every spring.
Start of Season: Asparagus spears begin to emerge from the ground as soil temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C) in the late winter or early spring.
Peak Season: During April and May, the weather is generally ideal for asparagus growth, leading to the most abundant and often the best-quality spears.
End of Season: The harvest season usually ends around the end of June or early July. Growers stop harvesting to allow the asparagus plants to develop into ferns. These ferns are crucial for photosynthesis, enabling the plant to store energy in its roots for the following year's production. Harvesting too late can weaken the plants and reduce future yields. The asparagus isn’t good to eat at this point because the stems become very tough. It’s almost telling you to leave it alone until next year. 😅
Regional Variations: The specific timing of the asparagus season can differ based on the region. For example, in Massachusetts, where I live, the season typically runs from May to June. In warmer climates, the season might start earlier.
Where can I find local asparagus (especially in Massachusetts)?
Farmers' Markets: A fantastic place to find locally grown asparagus, often directly from the farmers themselves. Check out the Mass Farmers Markets website to find a market near you.
Farm Stands: Many local farms operate farm stands where they sell their produce. Boston Parents Paper provides a list of farm stands in Massachusetts.
Local Farms: Consider visiting local farms directly for the freshest asparagus. Some farms known for asparagus include:
D.A. Smiarowski Farms (Facebook Page) in Sunderland
Verrill Farm in Concord - I used to live right down the street and can verify this is a great farm stand
Coonamessett Farm in East Falmouth - they have pick-your-own produce. Not sure if you can pick the asparagus, but there are other veggies you can pick.
Your Local Grocery Store: During asparagus season, check your local grocery store. Sometimes they will tell you where the produce comes from. Every year, I look for asparagus at Trader Joe’s and Roche Bros. during this time because they bring in local produce. Don’t forget to check out your smaller specialty stores like Nasiff Marketplace because they will bring in fresh local produce.
What should I look for when shopping for asparagus?
Look for stalks that are firm and bright green.
The tips should be tightly closed, not open or feathery.
Stalks with the same thickness will cook in the same amount of time. Thin spears are more delicate, while thicker spears have a stronger flavor. I like thin spears for salads, and thicker spears for a vegetable.
If you have the opportunity to find white asparagus, definitely give it a go. This is a specialty in Germany where they only eat seasonal produce. It is a great tradition to serve it boiled or steamed with hollandaise sauce and boiled potatoes or ham. Everyone looks forward to asparagus season in Germany!
How should I store my asparagus?
To keep your asparagus fresh for up to 5 days, stand the stalks in about 1 inch of water like a bouquet and cover them loosely with a plastic bag.
Alternatively, you can wrap the cut ends in a damp paper towel and then cover with plastic wrap. This is the method I use and find it keeps the asparagus really fresh.
Simple & Quick Recipe: Roasted Asparagus
Here's a classic recipe that highlights the fresh flavor of asparagus:
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh lemon juice for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Enjoy the taste of spring!
Jen Vondenbrink is a cooking, food, and lifestyle blogger at Appetite for Life since 2020. Jen Vondenbrink has over 35 years of professional cooking experience apprenticing with local pastry and artisan bread makers, working for culinary innovator J. Bildner & Sons in Boston, as well as Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. Jen Vondenbrink has published cookbooks such as Thanksgiving Recipes From Home, Fun Summer Recipes, and the Cozy Soup Cookbook. Jen Vondenbrink also hosts the Appetite for Life Cooking Club, where members get insights to enhance their cooking. Jen Vondenbrink offers cooking classes and cooking coaching, working one-on-one with people to strengthen their cooking knowledge and skills.
Great information about when and where to shop for local asparagus in Massachusetts.