Note: 1 = 1 bunch

Asparagus: whether prepared as a standalone side or as part of a larger dish, asparagus is a delicious and healthy veggie!

Labour-intensive to grow, asparagus are the young shoots of a cultivated lily plant. They're considered to be one of the delicacies of the vegetable world, with a price tag to match, and have a distinct, intense savoury flavour. Sprue is the term for young, very slender asparagus.

While French asparagus is purple, the British and American varieties are green. In contrast, Spanish, and much Dutch asparagus, is white because it's grown beneath the soil and cut just as the tips emerge.

All types pack a nutritious punch, with high levels of vitamins A and C, potassium, iron and calcium.

Boil (for 3-5 mins) or steam (4-5 mins, depending on size) then serve with hollandaise sauce or hot melted butter, or chop and bake it in a quiche. You can also combine it with peas, podded broad beans, young spinach leaves and basil for pasta primavera.

Sourced locally across the Shoalhaven, Far South Coast and a little from farmers in the Illawarra. They are grown under clear skies and fresh air; hot sunny Summers and frosty Winters.

Our farmers use permaculture principles and their sowing, weeding and harvesting is all done by hand, without the use of  chemicals, pesticides or herbicides preferring green manure crops, compost and natural minerals for biological soil balancing.