Sweeter and milder in taste than the green alternative, white asparagus is a true culinary delicacy. These tender white asparagus buds, by Danza, are cultivated in the rich Mediterranean soils of Spain, before just their fragile tips are harvested and pickled. Submerged in a simple brine of saltwater and citric acid, these delicious white asparagus retain an amazingly fresh taste and exquisite texture.
The only true difference between green and white asparagus is the way it’s grown. Green asparagus is allowed to grow practically unchecked, shooting through the ground in early Spring and turning a deep shade of green within the span of a few days. White asparagus, on the other hand, is tended carefully throughout its lifespan. As it grows up through the soil, more dirt is mounded on top of the rows, protecting them from the light. Never exposed to the rays of the sun, the chlorophyll, which usually develops in plants and turns them green, never initiates, and the asparagus spears remain a pallid white. Thanks to this careful upbringing, white asparagus remains tender and keeps a subtly sweet flavor that is lost in the untamed green variety.
Delightful on its own, our white asparagus buds make a gorgeous addition to appetizer platters and cheese plates. Their slightly sharp flavor and pleasant snap make them ideal for pairing with rich cheeses, and salty cured meats. Similar in flavor and texture to a good pickle, try substituting these delicious Spanish asparagus tips anywhere you’d use a savory gherkin! Add them to sandwiches and relish trays for a delicious and authentic taste of the Mediterranean!