White Asparagus: Nutritional Benefits and Culinary Uses Explored
By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
[Total: 3 Avg: 5]
Get more insightful and
helpful tips to
treat Diabetes for FREE
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
White asparagus is seen as a luxury veggie. It makes its mark in a short yet tasty season. This delicacy is worth adding to your plate, not just for its soft taste, but also for the several health benefits it has. This blog will cover all about white asparagus. We will touch on its growth, its standing as a German treat, and how you can best use it in your meals.
Don’t be fooled! White asparagus isn’t deficient in colour, it’s just grown differently. The main thing to know about green and white asparagus is how they meet the sun. This impacts their colour and taste.
White asparagus is grown in the dark. We call this etiolation. As the asparagus grows taller, farmers heap soil around it to block the sunlight. This stops it from turning green.
Taking white asparagus out of the ground is not an easy task. The shoots need to be gently removed before they can see daylight. This way, you cannot easily spot any damage. To make sure they stay perfect, they are often handpicked!
Did you know?
White asparagus is slowly becoming popular in North America. It has always been highly revered in Europe, mainly in Germany. The Germans even have a special name for it – “Spargel”. It enjoys quite the show during its season.
Every year, from April to June, Germany hosts White Asparagus Festivals. These “Spargelfests” are filled with fun tasting events, cooking shows, and beauty contests. Restaurants round-up unique asparagus dishes to add sparkle to their specials. This is when you can truly appreciate the charm of this gentle vegetable.
Germany is also home to several regional white asparagus types. Each comes with its special taste and features.
The table below has some examples.
| Region | Variety |
| Brandenburg | Beelitz Spargel |
| Baden-Württemberg | Schwetzingen Spargel |
Based on what I have observed in my experience, white asparagus might boast a noteworthy nutritional characteristic due to its abundant content of vitamin B9, commonly known as folic acid or folate. Folic acid might play a vital role in supporting various bodily functions, including reducing fatigue levels and supporting a robust immune system.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Much like green asparagus, the best time for white asparagus is from mid-April to early-July. This small time frame adds to its charm and luxury status.
White asparagus is grown mainly in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Peru. The German variety especially is very sought after. Thanks to global trade, it is also enjoyed outside Europe, including the US and Canada.
Fresh white asparagus can be hard to find due to its brief season and careful harvest. You may get it at gourmet shops, some local stores, and farmers’ markets. Cans and jars, however, are available in most grocery stores all through the year.
Let’s discuss this in a simple table form.
| Place to Buy | White Asparagus Available |
| Gourmet Stores | Fresh white asparagus during the season |
| Local Stores | Some availability, mostly during the season |
| Farmers’ Markets | Fresh white asparagus during the season |
| Grocery Stores | Canned/jarred white asparagus all year |
I’d like to share an intriguing secret about white asparagus: it might be naturally free from fat and cholesterol. This remarkable characteristic may make white asparagus an exceptionally healthy choice for those conscious of their nutritional intake.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
White asparagus might look dull compared to green asparagus, but it’s still very healthy. Like green asparagus, it is shown to contain:
Regularly eating white asparagus might help with:
There isn’t much that separates white and green asparagus in terms of nutrition. But they do differ in look, taste, and touch.
This table should answer your questions.
| Attribute | White Asparagus | Green Asparagus |
| Taste/ Flavour | Sweetish with a slight bitterness, Not so grassy, Lighter | Grassier, Stronger, complex flavour |
| Texture | Softer, often needs peeling | Firmer, may not need peeling |
| Nutrition | Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants | Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants |
Over the years, I have noticed that white asparagus, known for its low sodium content, might make a favourable choice for individuals monitoring their sodium intake. Interestingly, it also contains potassium, an essential mineral that might play a crucial role in the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
When you go asparagus hunting, choose spears that are firm with tight tips. The stalks should be smooth with no spots or wrinkles. Stay away from discoloured spears, wilted tops, and extremely soft ones.
White asparagus has a hard outer layer. You will need to peel it off before cooking. Use a veggie peeler to do this, taking care not to cut off too much of the soft inner part.
Fresh white asparagus can be kept in the fridge for up to five days. It stays fresh for a longer time if the cut ends are placed in a small pot of water just like placing flowers in a vase. Even so, it is best to eat it as soon as you can after buying it for the best taste and texture.
Here are the key tips for dealing with white asparagus.
| Aspect | White Asparagus Tips |
| Buying | Look for firm, smooth spears with tight tips |
| Peeling | Use a veggie peeler, starting at the top and working your way down |
| Storing | Keep it in a damp paper towel in a plastic bag or water |
To blanch white asparagus, first, cut off any hard, fibrous ends. Prepare a large pot of boiling water and have a bowl of chilled water ready. Cook the spears for about 3-5 minutes in boiling water. Then move them quickly to chilled water to stop the cooking process and lock in their tender texture.
Use a steamer basket or special pot to steam the prepared white asparagus spears for 8-10 minutes. As with blanching, don’t overcook the asparagus. Aim for a tender, yet firm texture.
Lay the trimmed and peeled white asparagus spears on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs you like. Roast in a hot oven at 400°F (200°C) for roughly 20 minutes. The asparagus should be tender and lightly browned.
One way to enjoy white asparagus is with hollandaise sauce. This rich German recipe goes well with either blanched or steamed white asparagus. The sauce is made from egg yolks, lemon juice, butter and seasoning.
This is a simple, tasty side dish with a French twist. Just roast the spears with a generous pinch of herbes de Provence mix. Put the prepared spears on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in a hot oven for about 20 minutes. When done, they should be golden brown and tender.
Get the best out of white asparagus by choosing fresh, quality spears. Spend time to peel and trim them right before cooking. Have fun trying out different ways to cook this mild-tasting seasonal vegetable.
Here is a simple way to compare the different cooking techniques.
| Technique | Process |
| Blanching | Quick boil, cool in ice water |
| Steaming | Steam in basket for 8-10 minutes |
| Roasting | Oil drizzle, roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes |
White asparagus pairs well with a host of foods thanks to its unique taste and texture. It goes particularly well with ham (popular in German cuisine), other spring veggies like peas or radishes, and potatoes for a light, healthy meal.
While white asparagus is big in Europe, it can also feature in other global dishes. Try it in stir-fries for a new texture, or mix it into pasta dishes or salads from the Mediterranean.
Let’s summarize the different possibilities for pairing white asparagus.
| Pairings | Suggestions |
| Food | Ham, spring vegetables, potatoes |
| Global | Stir-fries, Mediterranean salads, pasta dishes |
White asparagus is a special and scrumptious seasonal veggie. Only when you try it, will you get to know the variety of cooking possibilities it offers. Its mild flavour is perfect when paired with creamy sauces like hollandaise. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this delicious spring treat! You will love the sheer range and taste of this light vegetable star of spring!
White asparagus costs more than green asparagus because of its short season, high labour farming, and higher demand in some markets.
There are rarely any major problems with eating white asparagus. However, people allergic to green asparagus or other plants in the same family may react to white asparagus.
Yes, white asparagus is enjoyed by those with diet rules. Naturally gluten-free, and low in calories and carbs, it fits into most diets, like veggie and vegan.
If stored right, fresh white asparagus can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. However, you should eat it soon after buying for the best freshness.
Yes, you can grow white asparagus at home. You need proper farming methods like etiolation for the right pale colour. Look up garden resources or ask a local expert about how to grow it right in your home garden.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Comments