"People who were particularly impatient to have the first freshly harvested German rhubarb and asparagus, could enjoy the small quantities from heated fields from our regional growers as early as February or March. With the beginning of the free-range season, however, we are finally really starting the rhubarb and asparagus season," said Labinot Elshani, chief representative of the fruit and vegetables division of Landgard eG.
Rhubarb - sour is trendier now
Shortly before Easter -so about one and a half week later than last year- Landgard farms were able to harvest the first outdoor rhubarb. This was grown without additional heating, but still with double insulation made of foil and fleece. The volumes harvested were slightly smaller than those of recent years. The main growing region for these spring vegetables lies in the Cologne-Bonn region, where the red bars with the characteristic sour taste have optimal growth conditions. Fresh rhubarb from Landgard growers is becoming increasingly popular, not just among consumers but also in the industry. Even in the form of juice; there are numerous attractive uses for the low-calorie and vitamin-rich vegetables. From cakes to desserts, from ice cream to refreshing fruit spritzers and trendy rhubarb schnapps.
Free-range asparagus in the starting blocks
The first asparagus, still coming from heated cultivation, could be harvested by Landgard in the Rhineland at the end of March. Due to the cold weather, quantities were still rather small, even with heated fields. But that will all change quickly with the coming of the first warm spring days. "If the weather forecasts are correct, our growers can start harvesting the first asparagus from unheated fields next week. These are still grown in tunnels or mini tunnels. The starting shot for the harvest of the real outdoor asparagus is expected to come one week later,” predicts Labinot Elshani.
Landgard mainly offers German asparagus from the Lower Rhine, the Cologne region, Brandenburg, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
Quality products from the region
As traditional spring messengers, rhubarb and asparagus are prime examples of two successful products from regional growers - true to the motto: "Germany tastes good". Depending on the season, the Landgard Producer Cooperative will specifically focus on the advantages of products from local producers such as asparagus, rhubarb, but also apples, tomatoes and much more. After all, there are many good reasons to choose regional products when shopping: from short transport routes through optimal harvest times to the promotion of local businesses.
For more information:
Landgard Service GmbH
Veilingstr. A1
DE - 47638 Straelen-Herongen
Tel.: +49 2839 59-00
Fax: +49 2839 59-1999
info@landgard.de
www.landgard.de