What is German spargel?

Spargel does not look appetizing to the untrained eye. It’s a variety of white asparagus the color of larvae; when cooked, it dangles limply and is difficult to cut through. But upon taste, it’s easy to see why many Germans refer to it as “white gold” and pay more per kilo for it than meat.

How do you cook German asparagus?

Cook the Asparagus: Peel the asparagus, cutting off the woody ends. Add sugar and salt to boiling water. Gently place asparagus into the water and, once it is boiling again, reduce heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until tender. Remove from water and keep warm until sauce is ready.

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 German asparagus white?

Many Germans prefer the white variety because it is thought to be more tender and less bitter. The stalks are generally thicker and longer than the green version, which has a tougher skin that makes it unpalatable. Thankfully, many German supermarkets have machines on site that do all the peeling for you.

What is the most popular meat in German cuisine?

Pork
Pork, beef, and poultry are the main varieties of meat consumed in Germany, with pork being the most popular. The average person in Germany will consume up to 61 kg (134 lb) of meat in a year. Among poultry, chicken is most common, although duck, goose, and turkey are also enjoyed.

Where is spargel grown?

Asparagus Season in Germany. As apples mark the Fall season, nothing epitomizes Spring like the revered white stalks of Spargel (Asparagus)! The green variety is more popular in North America and Great Britain, and tends to be available in supermarkets year-round.

Does white asparagus need to be peeled?

White asparagus has a thick outer skin that, unlike green asparagus, must be peeled before using as it is too stringy to eat. The base should also be removed as it is too woody to chew. White asparagus also lends itself well to being pickled.

Do you cook white asparagus the same as green asparagus?

White asparagus has a more delicate flavor than green. Traditionally, they’re simmered in salted water and drizzled with melted butter or dipped in hollandaise sauce, but they can also be grilled or roasted just like green asparagus. Just be sure to cook them until they’re tender.

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 do Germans love asparagus so much?

Every year the German people eat 140,000 tons of asparagus, nearly all of it the white variety. They proclaimed Nienburg Spargel to be the best in Germany and attributed white asparagus’ popularity to its nutrient content, its local cultivation, and the arrival of the harvest with warm weather every spring.

Can you eat white asparagus raw?

Asparagus is a highly nutritious vegetable that can be eaten cooked or raw. Because of its tough texture, cooking is the most popular preparation method. However, thinly sliced or marinated raw spears can be equally enjoyable. That said, from a nutritional standpoint, you can’t go wrong with either choice.