Asparagus

Asperge

What it is

Romans loved it so much that “faster than cooking asparagus” was their phrase for instant. Louis XIV demanded it in January, so his gardener invented heated frames — the king of vegetables for the vegetable of kings.

In the kitchen

Snap, don’t cut: the stalk breaks naturally where tenderness begins. Its season is short — honour it.

Goes with

Egg Parmesan Butter Lemon Prosciutto di Parma Chives

Same species

Purple asparagus White asparagus Wild asparagus

Also used with

Agrumato lemon oil Blonde morel Green garlic Hop shoots St George’s mushroom Lucques olive

In season alongside

Mangetout Pea Acacia honey Pauillac lamb Saltwater conger (anago) Prussian asparagus

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