"Like most vegetables at the grocery store these days, asparagus is available year-round, but that doesn't mean it's going to be great even when it's out of season. Most people in the U.S. have developed a habit of just grabbing whatever they are in the mood for that week, but for many vegetables, that is less than ideal. Imported tropical produce will pretty much taste the same no matter when you buy it, because none of it is local."
"The reason any in-season produce tastes better has more to do with time and distance than anything. Graves tells us, "For in-season asparagus, it's grown at nearby farms close to our Sprouts stores, ensuring it stays fresh without having to travel as far. This results in more flavorful, tender, and long-lasting asparagus versus off-season." This is mainly the result of sugar, as over time the natural sugars in asparagus will turn to starch, dulling the flavor."
In-season asparagus is typically grown close to the point of sale, which reduces transport time and preserves freshness, flavor and tenderness. Natural sugars in asparagus convert to starch over time, dulling flavor, and vitamins and minerals begin to degrade after harvest, lowering nutritional value. Longer-distance shipping and extended storage worsen these changes, so off-season asparagus often arrives less flavorful and less tender, though it remains a healthy option. Seasonal peaks vary regionally based on climate and local growing schedules, so buying locally grown asparagus during its peak yields the best taste and highest nutrient content.
Read at Tasting Table
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]