Get Ready For British Asparagus Season

20 Mar Get Ready For British Asparagus Season

Asparagus is one of the most anticipated and celebrated crops of the British spring season.

It is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many ways, from salads and soups to risottos and roasts. But did you know that asparagus is also a superfood that can boost your immune system, detoxify your body and improve your mood? Or that British asparagus is especially delicious and nutritious, thanks to the unique climate and soil conditions of the UK?
In this blog, we will explore why you should eat  British asparagus this spring and how to make the most of the short season.

What is Asparagus?

Asparagus is a perennial plant that belongs to the lily family. It grows from underground stems called crowns, which produce spears that emerge from the soil in spring. Asparagus is harvested when the spears are about 15cm long, before they start to produce leaves and flowers.

British asparagus is grown mainly in the south and east of England, where the climate and soil are ideal for producing tender and tasty spears. British asparagus has a very short season, starting around 23rd April (St. Georges Day) to 21st June (Summer Solstice) but it also grows very quickly, often around 10cm each day.  This means that daily harvesting is required at peak season to keep up with growth.

British asparagus is renowned for its high quality and freshness, because due to it’s rapid growth and daily cutting, it is usually harvested and sold within 24 hours.  Unlike imported asparagus which can lose flavour and nutrients over time during transportation.

What are the Health Benefits of British Asparagus?

Asparagus is not only delicious, but also very good for you. It is low in calories and fat, as well as high in fibre, vitamins and minerals. Some of the health benefits of eating asparagus include:

• Asparagus is rich in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health.
• It is a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
• It contains folate, which is important for DNA synthesis and cell division, and can prevent birth defects in pregnant women.
• It has antioxidants, such as glutathione and flavonoids, which can protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
• It contains asparagine, an amino acid that can help flush out excess salt and fluid from the body and reduce blood pressure.
• It has prebiotics, which are indigestible carbohydrates that feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut and improve digestion and immunity.
• It has mood-enhancing compounds, such as tryptophan and tyrosine, which can increase the production of serotonin and dopamine as well as reduce stress and depression.

British asparagus may have even more health benefits than imported asparagus, as it tends to be fresher and less exposed to pesticides and chemicals. British asparagus is also more environmentally friendly, as it reduces the carbon footprint and supports local farmers.

Add some delicious British Asparagus to your next order and don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy it while it lasts. Happy asparagus season!

JR Holland

JR Holland are a food service company based in the North East. We are wholesale fruit & vegetable suppliers and provide national chilled distribution.