By Anna Black
If you’ve been keen to get your hands on a nice crisp bundle of local-grown savoury asparagus your wait is almost over.
Considered one of the delicacies of the vegetable world, asparagus will make its debut back onto the shelves of grocers, and menus of local eateries starting in May. The supply of fresh asparagus won’t last long though so catch it while you can! The normal growing season is very short in the Vancouver area, lasting only until the end of June.
A great source of vitamins A and C, potassium, iron and calcium, asparagus is available in over twenty varieties grouped by color: green (the most common), white, and violet. Regardless of color, all varieties taste delicious no matter how they are prepared. When selecting your asparagus, look for bundles where the tips are tightly furled and perky rather than limp. The shoots should also be straight and firm. Store your bundle in water or wrapped in wet paper towels to extend its shelf life. Or, visit one of the many Vancouver area farmers’ markets and grab a fresh bundle whenever you want.
Upcoming Farmers Markets
Lakewood Dr. & 13th Ave: Saturdays 9am – 2pm, opens May 7th
1100 Comox St btw. Bute & Thurlow: Saturdays 9am – 2pm, opens May 27th
Dude Chilling Park – 2300 Guelph St: Sundays 10am – 2pm, opens May 28th
Main Street Station Farmers Market
1100 Station Street: Wednesdays 2pm – 6pm, opens May 31st
Kitsilano Community Centre – 2614-2658 Larch St: Sundays 10am – 2pm, opens May 7th
Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 608-688 Hamilton St: Thursdays 2pm – 6pm, opens June 1st
Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market
Hastings Park – Centre grounds – 2901 BC-7A: Sundays 10am – 2pm, closes April 30th
Curious what else is in season locally in BC? The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets is a great source for all things edible and local in BC. You can find a market, view a list of vendors and try out some tasty recipes.
Happy shopping (and eating)!
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