Asparagus farmers expecting record sales as Brits celebrate lifting of lockdown

Asparagus growers in the Vale of Evesham are preparing for bumper sales ahead of Saint George's Day on April 23rd. Not only does this date mark the official start of the short-lived asparagus season, but it is also the first official opportunity for Brits to gastronomically celebrate following the lifting of further lockdown restrictions on 12thApril.

The Vale of Evesham is known as the home of British asparagus and in pre-Covid years, the start of asparagus season was marked by two months of weird and wonderful celebrations throughout the county of Worcestershire. Whilst the usual fun and games are likely to be more subdued, pubs and restaurants are planning extra-special asparagus menus to tempt back their customers.

Asparafacts 2021

• Hollywood stars swear by asparagus to keep in shape including Britney Spears (yes, really), Jessica Biel, Victoria Beckham and Matthew McConaughey.
• After eating asparagus, your urine may develop the distinctive smell that according to French novelist Marcel Proust "transformed my humble chamber into a bower of aromatic perfume." Everyone makes asparagus pee but not everyone can smell it
• It's better to buy larger asparagus, like Vale of Evesham, as they are more tender because they have proportionally less ‘woody' fibres. Choose asparagus with a firm and compact tip and supple stalks that don't break easily.
• Asparagus is also one of the best anti-wrinkle foods. Scientific evidence shows that people who include asparagus in their diet have fewer wrinkles than people who do not eat asparagus
• Three types of asparagus exist - green, white, and purple
• Asparagus is a member of the lily family
• It takes three years to grow asparagus from seed before it is ready to harvest
• Asparagus can grow 10 inches in 24 hours.
• On average, Vale of Evesham asparagus has a wider girth than other varieties - approximately half a centimetre thicker.
• Despite a plethora of recipes available to the modern gastronome, blanched asparagus and melted butter is the No 1 serving choice for Brits