The weather makes the asparagus
"Currently we harvest about a metric ton of asparagus per day," the asparagus producer explains, "The weather conditions in Switzerland are not optimal at the moment. It is very wet and a lot of land is under water." The growing conditions for asparagus are more difficult in Switzerland. The soil structure in Switzerland is loamy and heavy, in contrast to Germany, which has sandy soils. "Once the soil gets wet, you have to be mindful that the asparagus won’t spoil and destroys the plants. We really hope that the water drains," says Ronny Köhli.
Great quality asparagus
Despite the poor weather, the quality of the asparagus is optimal, reported Köhli: "About 60 percent of our harvested asparagus is of the highest quality, i.e. asparagus Class I." Swiss asparagus producers are bound to get the target price of the Swiss Federation Vegetable Producers (VSGP). "Currently a kilo of Class I asparagus does around 13.50 Euro," says Ronny Köhli.
White asparagus are in fashion
The asparagus consumption in Switzerland per capita is only small. Swiss consumers only consume 0.82 kg white asparagus and 0.62 kg green asparagus per year. Nevertheless asparagus farming in Switzerland continues to grow. White asparagus are becoming increasingly popular among Swiss consumers. Almost always green asparagus used to be cultivated in the Alpine countries. "The reason is simple," explains Köhli, "green asparagus are easier to harvest," explains Köhli. Due to the climate, the Swiss asparagus season lasts only from late April until St. John's Eve, midsummer on the 24th of June.
Ronny Köhli
Spargelhof Köhli
Gimmerz 42, 3283 Kallnach
Tel. 032 392 55 63
www.spargelhof-köhli.ch