NORTH COAST GROWERS' ASSOCIATION
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Picture
Asparagus is a distant relative of the onion whose origins trace back over 2,000 years to countries around the Mediterranean.  Ancient Greeks used it to relieve gastronomic issues, as it is a diuretic. The Ancient Greeks and Romans used a Persian word "asparag" which meant shoot. The term sperage became popular for many years and in the 16th century we find the term "sparagus" used in English speaking countries; peasants would call it " sparrow grass".

Did you know asparagus grows like grass?  It is one of the few perennial vegetables; it has an extensive root system under ground that can spread 5-6' across and up to 15' deep.  In the Spring, asparagus "crowns" begin popping their heads out of the soil like individual blades of grass.  These crowns are what we eat.


Seasonality
Asparagus is a Spring crop, which we see at Humboldt's farmers' markets as early as April and quickly vanish in June.

Storage
Follow this link to our storage tips page

Preservation  
Follow this link to our preservation tips page

"The Basics"
Asparagus is very tender and easy to overcook.  When boiling or steaming, they should only be cooked for 2-5 minutes, depending on the size, and served immediately.  If you choose to roast or pan fry them, they can go a little longer, around 10 minutes.  You can tell that they are done when they turn bright green and are overcooked once that green starts fading.

Asparagus Salad
(can be made vegan)

Spring Couscous

(vegan)


​
Contact Us:
​707-441-9999
info@northcoastgrowersassociation.org
PO Box 4232, Arcata, CA 95518
​​
​Visit Us:
NCGA Harvest Hub
5720 West End Road, Building 2
Arcata, CA 95521
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
@ COPYRIGHT 2021
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Farmers' Markets
    • Food Access at the Market
    • Arcata Plaza
    • Blue Lake Sunday Market
    • Fortuna
    • Friday Night Market, Eureka
    • Garberville
    • Henderson Center, Eureka
    • McKinleyville
    • Miranda
    • Old Town, Eureka
    • Shelter Cove
    • Willow Creek
    • Sorry, No Pets
  • Harvest Box & Hub
    • Harvest Hub
    • Harvest Box Program
    • Farm to Freezer Project
  • Get Involved/Resources
    • Seasonal Recipes
    • Interested Vendor Resources
    • Volunteer/Farm Work
    • Non-Profit Tables at Market
    • Play Music at Market
  • Member Info
    • Member Directory
    • Current Member Resources
    • Member Updates
    • Agricultural Programs
    • The Climate Resilient Farmer Training Program
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Board and Staff
    • Our Values
    • Economic Impacts
    • Artist Feature
    • Newsletter/ Press Room
    • Community Partners
    • Contact Us
  • Donate
    • Become a Friend of the Farmers' Market
  • Store