WHITE ASPARAGUS European appetiser with a difference

Europe is home to diverse and regional dishes. One of the simplest yet perhaps the most elusive European delicacies is white asparagus. It is a special vegetable harvested in spring season. From creamy soup to Indian dessert, this vegetable is incorporated in many delicious dishes.

- Garima Sharma

There is a diverse variety of appetisers around the world, ranging from fries, meatballs and chicken wings to samosas and pakodas. But most of them come loaded with fat and calories. Those looking for a healthier option can turn to white asparagus, a popular European appetiser. As the spring sun begins to warm the earth, white asparagus, known as asperge in France and spargel in Germany, captivates palates across Europe.

What is white asparagus?

White asparagus looks exactly like green asparagus, a spear-shaped vegetable, but without chlorophyll. It is not just a vegetable but a delicate and elusive European delicacy. It is mostly eaten during the spring season, starting from mid-April until early June as it is harvested then and is the first vegetable after winter season to be harvested in Europe. The culinary experience dates back to the 18th-century when it was introduced in the royal kitchen.

Unlike green asparagus, white asparagus is grown below the soil to prevent photosynthesis, so that it has a pale appearance and sweeter taste. Since, it is a labour-intensive task to cultivate it, especially for a very short period of time, it becomes a prized ingredient in and around Germany and France. It is considered to be eaten by the wealthy segment of the population.

Today, this seasonal vegetable is celebrated not only for its exquisite taste but also for the cultural significance it holds in various European countries. The European delicacy has festivals dedicated to it, such as Germany's Spargelzeit. This festival showcases the importance of white asparagus and also crowns an 'asparagus princess'.