Asparagus
Health Benefit to You
Asparagus is an excellent source of folic acid and is a fairly significant source of Vitamin C, Thiamin, and Vitamin B6. Asparagus contains no fat or cholesterol of dietary significance. It is an important source of potassium and many micronutrients. According to the National Cancer Institute, Asparagus is the highest tested food containing Glutathione, one of the body's most potent cancer fighters. Additionally, Asparagus is high in Rutin, which is valuable in strengthening the blood vessels. Source: California Aspargus Commission. Learn more with the CFAITC Fact Sheet.
Buy California Grown
The California asparagus harvest begins in February, the supply peaks in March and April, then tapers off into June. California growers harvest a smaller crop in September and October. Nearly 80% of the 200 million pounds of fresh asparagus grown in the U.S. comes from California.
Where Do Asparagus Grow? In California | US | The World
In California
San Joaquin, Monterey, Fresno, Sacramento and Imperial Counties
In the United States
California, Washington, Michigan, Illinois and New Jersey
In the World
From Farms to Your Family Step 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Step 1: Waking the asparagus from thd dormant state.
During the winter months, the farmer cuts down the asparagus fern waking the asparagus plant up from its dormant state.
Step 2: Harvesting
New spears soon emerge (usually in late February or early March) and harvest crews go in to the field and individually cut spears that have reached approximately 9 inches in length.
Step 3: Packing
The spears are then taken to a packing shed where they are washed, trimmed, sized, graded, and packed in to crates. The crates are quickly cooled and kept in refrigerated storage until shipped to retailers and other customers across the U.S. and all over the world.
Step 4: Eating
Enjoy fresh cooked California asparagus.