Australian Asparagus

Lying in the southern hemisphere the Australian Asparagus season is at the opposite end of the year to the European and North American seasons. Cutting lasts from September through to March due to the variety of climates across the continent.

How much is Grown?

Australia is the 8th largest producer of asparagus by weight but only the 12th biggest by area which indicates that yields are higher than the global average. Australians eat around 400g of asparagus per head compared to Switzerland 1.5kg and Germany 1.12kg per head.

What Type of Asparagus is Grown?

Most of the asparagus grown is the green variety with a limited amount of the purple variety produced in November. A small amount of white asparagus is grown. This white asparagus is largley produced by being grown under black tunnels of plastic denying the growing spears of the light required to turn it green.

What areas of Australia Grow Asparagus?

95% of Australia's Asparagus is grown in Victoria with Koo Wee Rup the main centre. The balance of production grows in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.

In March 2010 Koo Wee Rup suffered from severe flooding during the cutting season. It is hoped that the 2011 crop will not be affected.

Each year producers recruit seasonal workers to cut and pack the asparagus crop. For further informatin follow this link.

Who Eats Asparagus Grown in Australia?

70% of Victoria's production is exported with 85% of that going to Japan where asparagus is a very popular vegetable. With rapid air freighting the exported asparagus can be on sale in Japan just 30 hours after cutting.

Other export markets include Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan.

Where does asparagus come from in the off season for Australians to eat?

During the winter season when local asparagus is not available Australians get to eat Asparagus imported from Peru, Thailand, Mexico and the USA.

Events to look out for

During asparagus season their is pently of Asparagus Themed activity in the growing areas. Watch out for your local farmers markets for any special cooking / tasting activities. Also watch for any asparagus themed events at the

Royal Melbourne Show.

We'll keep you posted on any events we see advertised.

Fancy Trying One of Our Favourite Recipes?

Asparagus Quiche

Quiche

Asparagus Soup

Soup

Asparagus & Smoked Salmon Appetizer

Appetizer

Hollandaise

Omelette

or visit our main

Recipe Page



Gus enjoying Asparagus SeasonGus enjoying Asparagus Season

The easiest way to cook Asparagus!

All you need is a microwave a plastic Fish / Veg. Steamer and and our instructions.

Asparagus ready to cook in the microwave

Take look at some of our Interesting and Popular Pages


Blanching Asparagus
Blanching Asparagus

Wellies and Tools ready for the garden
Growing Asparagus

Asparagus on the Grill Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus Store at Festival Asparagus Festivals

If you want the

Basics of how to cook fresh asparagus

start by looking at How to Cook Asparagus first for some background information on a range of cooking methods.


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 Ask the Expert

We have our own Asparagus Growing Expert ready to answer any questions we can't answer so ask away. All your asparagus growing questions resolved.