The asparagus season is approaching, and the delicious vegetable can almost be harvested again. But before asparagus can end up on a consumers table, growers first have to invest a lot of work and time into it. Frank Uwihs, an expert from the German cooperative Agravis Raiffeisen, explains to us a few things about asparagus and what to expect this year.
Photo: Agravis Raiffeisen AG
What sort of quality is expected this year, and how will the harvest be?
Uwihs: This year, people can count on good quality, considering many new fields were planted in recent years, so that new and young asparagus can be harvested. Thanks to the wonderful, cool winter, the asparagus has a better chance of coming out in spring. Because of the current weather circumstances, growers can work well in the fields, and they are able to prepare everything. Moreover, the companies are doing good work in the field of quality management, so that the quality of the asparagus improves annually.
How can the quality of the asparagus be optimised?
Uwihs: The quality of the asparagus can be improved by means of optimal growing conditions. That includes land values such as phosphor, potassium and magnesium being measured, and care has to be paid that the pH value isn’t too low. A perfect pH value is around 5.8. Moreover, manuring should take place every year. The right treatment of the land is also important, and that can be noticed later, during harvesting. Cutting asparagus becomes easier that way, and the harvesting activities become more productive because of light and loose asparagus stems. Film and miniature tunnels ensure enough warmth, and also serve the quality of the asparagus.
How can consumers recognise good, fresh asparagus?
Uwihs: Good quality asparagus can mostly be recognised when the asparagus is cut in half. If asparagus water comes out when the asparagus is squeezed, quality is good. Closed asparagus tips and nice, shiny asparagus that don’t look grey are also signs of freshness and quality.
What sort of work are growers currently doing in the fields?
Uwihs: The growers are currently making asparagus dams and laying out film. But some things also have to be done in the young asparagus fields, because those will be planted from mid to late March. The asparagus have to be planted at the right depth in these fields, and good growing conditions have to be created. Soil herbicides are used to take the weed pressure away.
Which measures are taken as regards crop protection?
Uwihs: Nothing is done during harvesting, but afterwards herbicides have to be used, such as pest control against asparagus flies and the (common) asparagus beetle. Plant lice also have to be partially combatted. Using fungicides is essential for plant growth. A good fungicide strategy is of the utmost importance for that. Which measure has to be taken, can be planned depending on the weather.
What should people pay attention to after harvesting?
Uwihs: The plants then first have to regain their strength for the coming year. Just like someone who has run a marathon, the asparagus also needs a regeneration phase. In order to come though this as well as possible, the asparagus needs nutrients, the right fertiliser, crop protection and oxygen through tillage, and competition from weeds has to be minimised. The asparagus then has three to four months, starting in June or July, to replenish its reserves.