Espárragos blancos de Navarra: white asparagus service

Ribera del Ebro, Navarra, Spain

The white asparagus of Navarra — grown under black plastic sheeting that prevents photosynthesis and keeps the spears blanched and tender — is one of the great luxury vegetables of Spain, with DOP status and a market price that rivals the best Alsatian or German white asparagus. The technique of growing white asparagus involves earthing up the spear as it emerges from the ground and covering it completely from light until harvest at first light each morning. Navarran white asparagus is traditionally canned at the peak of season — this is not a compromise but a tradition, as the canning process mellows the flavour slightly and produces the specific texture associated with classic Spanish preparations. Fresh Navarra asparagus (April-May) is available to chefs who source directly from the Ribera del Ebro region.

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