Michigan asparagus season in full swing

As they do every year, consumers eagerly await the arrival of this season’s crop of Michigan asparagus. Though the harvest was delayed by about a week, the excitement of those awaiting its arrival did not subside, according to a news release from the Dewitt, Michigan-based Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board.

The Michigan asparagus season is at its midway point and the weather outlook for the remainder of June will support continued harvesting of excellent quality asparagus, Jamie Clover Adams, the board’s executive director, said in the release. Now with the season in full swing, Michigan asparagus is offering excellent quality this year, with spear tips that are not only tight but also extremely flavorful, according to the release.

“On shelves, shoppers will be delighted by the thick spears and uniform and beautiful look,” Adams said in the release. Supply is ample as the weather provided an ideal climate in which to grow a tasty and nutritious product that will stop those in the produce department for a second look, she said.

Positioned in a favorable location for shipping, Michigan is within 850 miles of more than half the U.S. population. “Michigan asparagus is a great item with which to promote buying local produce, as it is a low-food mile vegetable that arrives fresh from farm to table in less than three days,” Adams said in the release. “With today’s high transportation costs, both domestic and abroad, buying local is more important than ever. Less miles traveled and a shorter supply chain, coupled with a duty to support smaller, local, family-owned businesses and sustainability efforts are all important things to consider.”

While consumer shopping habits have changed in the past two years, they are cooking more at the same time. Grilling and barbecuing remain popular and this time of the year, fresh and in-season domestically grown asparagus is a great vegetable to place on the grill this time of year, according to the release.

The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board focuses on educating consumers on the importance of buying local versus imported asparagus and the vegetable’s numerous health benefits. The board continues to rollout new content daily during the season and hosts weekly giveaways via social media contests throughout June.