Asparagus
A member of the lily family, asparagus are a delicious and nutritious super veg. Rich in vitamins K, C and folic acid, they also help promote a healthy gut. Whether you steam, grill, roast or include in your favourite dish, the spears cook quickly with minimum prep.
Barfoots farm over 750 acres of asparagus in the UK, the majority of which is grown on the beautiful South Downs, providing south facing warmth and free draining soil that asparagus love. Our British asparagus comes into season around the April 23rd, lasting roughly for 8 weeks until the Summer Solstice on 21st June.
The colder UK climate results in a slower growth rate, which creates a greater build up of anthocyanin…giving British Asparagus a distinct purple hue and stronger taste profile. The anthocyanin pigment belongs to a class of compounds called flavonoids that are thought to help promote good health through their antioxidant effects.
Outside of the UK season, Barfoots Peru provides a supply of incredibly fresh asparagus to the UK. Our investment in farming in Peru has made us the largest importer of Asparagus into the UK, we have also invested in restoration projects promoting biodiversity and soil fertility in the area.
From January we start transitioning into Mexican asparagus, moving to Italy before our UK crop starts.