Asparagus is a characteristic green vegetable that can be used for soup, cooking, but also for baking, which can already be found this year in the markets and in the stores of supermarket chains, the latter places typically sell imports.
Photo: János Mészáros
Anyone who likes it can also buy it at the Szolnok market.
László Pozderka has been selling asparagus grown in Rákóczifalva in Szolnok for decades, so it is not surprising that we stumbled upon it now.
The customers just “moved on” in their own way
– Asparagus is growing relatively earlier this year as well – the seller shared his experience. “Actually, it would have been Easter already if the air didn’t cool down and the frost didn’t take it away.” The minuses of a few weeks ago did not do him any good. If it wasn’t there, it could have been sold three or four weeks earlier than last year. But I’ve been bringing it to the market for a while now.
The seller also revealed that the quality of the crop is better now than in previous years.
“In winter, the soil was proportionally filled with rainwater, so the whistles became more tender and delicate,” he pointed out. – Two years ago, in 2022, there was a significant drought, the plants could not develop well in the drought. And last year, as now, the first shoots were taken away by the frost.
As we found out, however, customers only “moved” on this green delicacy in their own way.
Many still see it as a luxury item
“Many people are surprised that there is asparagus so early, but it is still in short supply.” Demand was better last year, even though consumption fell even then. It used to be much better. Maybe it doesn’t sell as much because many people see it almost as a luxury item. It’s not, even those who don’t use it should try it. There are many ways to prepare it, it’s worth looking for recipes and trying them, suggested László Pozderka.
Photo: János Mészáros
– Asparagus is only cultivated in a few places in the county, rather it is grown only in closed gardens and backyards. We don’t grow enough to keep records at the chamber – pointed out Csaba Imre Hubai, county president of the National Chamber of Agrarian Economy. He also confirmed that this plant is also ahead in its development, the very early spring warmth had its effect…
As he said, asparagus likes loose, sandy soil, so the conditions are especially favorable for it between the Danube and Tisza, but there are also good growing areas in our county. However, even with all this, its popularity is not high enough.
Once upon a time, it was considered a gentleman’s delicacy
Asparagus is a native plant in Hungary as well, but it was considered a rarity in our gastronomy until the 20th century. It was typically a delicacy of the aristocracy and gentlemen’s kitchens. In this way, it “infiltrated” the everyday meal rather late.
We eat the tender, thickened shoots and whistles of asparagus, which are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and E, but also have a significant content of folic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium. In addition to all this, they also contain antioxidants.
Varieties of different colors are known. White asparagus grows underground, has a milder taste, and must be peeled before consumption. The green grows above the earth’s surface, it can be eaten raw, it is excellent for grilling and steaming, it can be prepared in a fur coat, as a side dish for meat. But we can also find the purple variety, which is characterized by a very strong taste, and the method of preparation is similar to that of white asparagus.
