Garden Asparagus

Scientific Name: Asparagus officinalis

Flavour: The flavour of garden asparagus is often described as earthy and slightly nutty, with a hint of sweetness.

Growing Season: The growing season for garden asparagus typically begins in early spring, around March or April, and continues through late spring or early summer, usually ending in June or July.

Native Region: Garden asparagus is native to various regions of Europe, including parts of the Mediterranean and Western Asia.

Traditional Recipe: Asparagus and Stilton Tart.

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet of pre-made puff pastry

  • 1 bunch of garden asparagus, trimmed

  • 150g Stilton cheese, crumbled

  • 2 eggs

  • 150ml double cream

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

  2. Roll out the puff pastry and line a tart tin with it.

  3. Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears on the pastry.

  4. Scatter the crumbled Stilton cheese evenly over the asparagus.

  5. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and double cream. Season with salt and black pepper.

  6. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the asparagus and Stilton in the tart tin.

  7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the tart is golden brown and set.

  8. Allow the tart to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Health Properties: Garden asparagus is a nutritious vegetable that offers several health benefits. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate and minerals such as potassium and copper. Asparagus is also known for its antioxidant properties and may support digestive health and contribute to healthy weight management.

Growing Technique:

To grow garden asparagus, start by preparing a well-drained and fertile soil bed. Asparagus is typically grown from crowns or dormant root systems. Dig trenches about 30cm deep and place the crowns at the bottom, spacing them around 30cm apart. Cover the crowns with a few inches of soil and gradually fill in the trench as the asparagus plants grow. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and ensure the plants receive full sun exposure. Harvest the asparagus spears when they reach around 15-20cm in height, cutting them just below the soil surface. Allow the plants to grow and establish over several seasons for a more abundant harvest.