Sicilian asparagus arrived on the market three weeks early. "We usually start selling our produce from mid-February onwards, but we started harvesting two weeks ago," explains Enzo Rasà, president of Consorzio Asparago Sovrano.
At the moment, the produce comes from 50 hectares of greenhouses, while open fields should start producing in mid-March.
Archive photo of Sicilian asparagus. (Source: Consorzio Asparago Sovrano)
Harvesting was so early because winter temperatures have been quite mild and there was no frost. But it was also something the Consortium had planned.
"We have implemented a series of new techniques so produce would ripen early - new varieties, modern greenhouses, new cultivation techniques and new transplants. We did this because there are usually no Italian asparagus on the market during this period except for those produces in greenhouses warmed with spa water. Prices are higher as demand is lively."
The Consorzio Asparago Sovrano during the latest edition of Fruit Logistica. Left to right: Gaetano Ciotta, Enzo Rasà (president) and Claudio Aranzulla.
Demand is high abroad too - the usual markets are Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. "Belgium has shown some interest too and even Spain is asking for our produce, as at the moment they are buying it from Chile and Peru. The UK might also be keen, but consumers usually prefer Thai asparagus, which are slightly different."
Contacts:
Consorzio Asaprago Sovrano
94015 Piazza Armerina
Contrada Imbaccari Soprano (EN) – Italia
Tel./Fax: (+39) 0933 992 639
Email: info@asparagosovrano.it
Web: www.asparagosovrano.it