Asparagus is one of the most popular vegetables in Germany. The preparation of the sticks is easy and takes little time. Cutting the asparagus, however, is far more complex and can only be done quickly with a little practice.

In a nutshell

  • Harvesting asparagus is exhausting, but not rocket science
  • correct technique is crucial
  • special tool makes the job easier
  • Care must be taken not to damage regrowing stalks

digging up asparagus

The term "pierce" only refers to the white asparagus, since the spear of this vegetable asparagus is cut off under the ground. Green and purple asparagus, on the other hand, grow above ground and can therefore be easily cut at the surface.

Harvesting green asparagus requires significantly less effort.

Growth of the asparagus plant

The popular spears of white asparagus are actually the shoots of the asparagus plant, which are pricked on the ground before they sprout. They grow from the so-called root crown through the asparagus ridge upwards to sprout on the surface.

Not only one shoot grows from the crown, but several. However, not all poles come to the surface at the same time. That is why a regrowing asparagus spear hidden in the dam can stand close to a harvest-ready asparagus spear. Towards the end of the harvest season, the shoots are then allowed to follow their natural growth path so that the plant does not die.

Utils

There are special tools for cutting asparagus:

  • Long, curved asparagus knife (asparagus cutter, sticking knife) with an ergonomic handle
  • asparagus ladle
  • Puncture gloves (high tactile and fingertip sensitivity)
  • special harvest basket with cover
For smaller amounts of asparagus, you can alternatively use a mason's trowel or planting trowel.

But you can also easily pass through these utensils

  • a chisel
  • a trowel
  • tight-fitting gardening gloves
  • a basket with damp towels and/or a cover

substitute.

Pricking asparagus - instructions

1. Identify ripe asparagus spears

Carefully uncover the asparagus.

You can tell whether you are standing in front of a plant with stems ready for harvest by the following characteristics:

  • cracks can be seen on the surface of the dam
  • small part of the asparagus head protrudes from the ground (very rare because it is not desired)

2. Excavate

Since the asparagus hole has to be closed again after harvesting, you should dig up the asparagus so that the soil remains on the surface of the ridge. It is dug as follows:

  • spread two fingers around the bar
  • Dig a good bit deep around the asparagus spear with this soil (expose the asparagus)

Tip: Care should be taken when digging to avoid damaging adjacent poles.

Asparagus pricking is a matter of practice.

3. Prick asparagus

Use the asparagus knife to cut the asparagus

  • about thirty inches deep and
  • parallel to the bar

down and pierce the asparagus spear with one or two movements.

Notice: However, you should not lead the asparagus cutter too deep down so that the root crown is not damaged.

4. Take out and store

Once you have cut off the spear, tilt the asparagus knife slightly backwards. This will push the asparagus up and make it easier to get out of the hole. So that the vegetable asparagus does not dry out, it is placed in the basket immediately.

Wrapped in a slightly damp tea towel, you can store fresh, unpeeled white asparagus in the fridge for up to 4 days.

5. Close the hole

Once the harvested asparagus spear has been taken care of, you should close the hole quickly so that the neighboring spears can continue to grow. Use the flat side of the asparagus trowel to smooth the surface so that the asparagus that will grow back can be easily identified.

frequently asked Questions

When is the right time to dig asparagus?

Basically, you can harvest the white spears throughout the day. However, the ideal time to harvest asparagus is in the morning or in the evening.

When is asparagus harvest time?

The exact time when the asparagus harvest begins is difficult to determine, as it depends on the weather and soil temperature. As a rule, however, the asparagus cutting takes place in May and June.

How long does it take to harvest one kilogram of asparagus?

For newcomers, the practice time is given as 30 minutes. If you have practice, you should have hooked a kilo of the white poles in about 25 minutes during peak season.

Category:

Vegetable garden