For 2018’s spring season, asparagus from Camargue, France, have once again benefited from last Mediterranean winter. For the French company Cofruid'Oc Méditerranée, it is a newly achieved level in the renewal of production. Project "Celestine®, the authentic asparagus of Camargue" and "Sauvageonne®, the premium green asparagus" are enhanced by new participants, who are doing everything possible to be part of a qualitative dynamic: new asparagus (both green and white), and new techniques.
"The recognition of the high quality of Camargue asparagus allows growers to maintain their production, and encourages them to continue to invest in it. The committed approach to sustainability has attracted a new generation of producers in particular, who instill innovation within the fields. Protected from the bad weather of winter, the first tunnel production trials show an ability to start harvesting in February. The new wind blowing in 2018’s season brings a production potential which will be doubled, compared to 2017."
Celestine®, the authentic asparagus of Camargue, marks the high end of sand asparagus of Aigues-Mortes bay: it grows entirely underground, and it’s harvested as soon as it shows the tip of its shoot. The total absence of light guarantees its pearly whiteness.
Sauvageonne® grows out in the open, and owes its colour to the chlorophyll synthesis which develops in the sunlight. Once picked, the asparagus are arranged in vases filled with water, like cut flowers, to preserve their freshness.
For Serge Amouroux, referent producer and Asparagus manager at Cofruid'Oc, the new synergy between new and old producers is a success for the sustainability of the profession: "In recent years, we have seen the arrival of new Camargue producers eager to grow asparagus, and this was great news for us! We are working on a product which demands the highest standards, as well as a lot of investment time- and energywise. These new growers breathe new life into the sector: in terms of hope for the coming years, since the next generation is assured, but also in terms of technical skills; they develop new processes to tame the mistral winds, and guarantee freshness from the field. They manage to combine tradition and modern know-how.
Marc and Régis Puccini, experienced asparagus producers from Languedoc, are in charge of of two farms: one for the production of Celestine®, and one for Sauvageonne®. With their strong vision of a growing French asparagus market, they have invested in innovative farming methods to extend the seasonality of consumption, by advancing it in early February, and boosting production. "We believe the asparagus is an exceptional, unparalleled product of the future. We remain faithful to the requirements of historical production, whilst maintaining a logic of permanent progress."
Watch the video here.
For more information:
Cofruid'Oc
+33 (0)4 67 91 90 15