Asparagus Benefitting from Wet, Cool Spring

The asparagus harvest is underway a little bit late this year with weather in winter and spring pushing everything back.

Chairman of the Washington Asparagus Commission Gary Larsen said while late, the quality has been worth the wait.

“The asparagus is nice and plump. It’s got a very sweet taste this time of year. It’s very good quality. The cooler temperatures and everything is just adding up to a quality harvest.”

Another benefit to the weather is that a later start has allowed the Mexican asparagus to finish a complete cycle in the marketplace before the Northwest crop is ready.

Larsen said the total crop will be probably a little bit lower than last year, but it wasn’t due to the winter.

“So far we haven’t seen any damages. I’m not saying there’s not going to be but I haven’t seen anything. Usually asparagus is pretty hardy as long as you have the correct variety for your location. It’s very winter hardy.”

Larsen said there are some locations that already have local asparagus that you can purchase and more is on the way.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.