Can you get white asparagus in the UK?

In the UK, white asparagus is grown in the the Evesham Vale area in Worcestershire but the majority of fresh white asparagus comes from the Loire Valley in France and Germany. It is graded by size with the thickest spears being highly prized and the most expensive.

Is white asparagus the same as green?

The basic difference between green and white asparagus relates back to its roots—literally. While white asparagus is grown in a dark environment, either underground or well covered, the green version gets to soak up all the sunlight.

Does white asparagus need to be peeled?

White asparagus is the same plant as green asparagus, but it lacks color because it’s grown underground. Farmers cover it with soil as it grows, so the stalks don’t undergo photosynthesis. There’s one other big difference: Before cooking, you’ll need to peel away the stalks’ thick, bitter skin.

Why is white asparagus so expensive?

Why is white asparagus so expensive? Because growing white asparagus underground is much more labor intensive, that’s reflected in the price. Each stalk must be unearthed and cut by hand, a painstaking job. White asparagus can be as a much as $2 more a bunch than green.

Why is there no white asparagus in UK?

It is very very popular in Europe with the exception of the UK where green asparagus predominates. Certain regions of Germanany have very sandy soils that are particularly suited to the growing process and in these areas White Asparagus or Spargel is big business.

Why is there no white asparagus in the US?

Between its tenderness and laborious growing practices, white asparagus is even more prized (and more expensive) than the first stalks of the green stuff at the market—and you probably won’t find white asparagus at American farmers markets, or American-grown asparagus in grocery stores.

Why is canned asparagus so expensive?

Asparagus is so expensive mostly due to farmers needing to cover their costs for growing these crops. Growing asparagus is hard. It’s time consuming.

Are white asparagus good for you?

The Bottom Line Asparagus is a nutritious and tasty addition to any diet. It’s low in calories and a great source of nutrients, including fiber, folate and vitamins A, C and K.