Recipe

The ultimate sweetness that drips with juice | Savor the taste of spring asparagus [Fukushima Prefecture]

Spring is here, and the season for delicious vegetables is upon us. This time, we'll be introducing fresh asparagus from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture

The large asparagus is thick and perfectly straight. It's also incredibly tender and delicious. The sweetness and umami that oozes out from the cut surface is irresistible

We will introduce the characteristics of Aizu asparagus and recipes for enjoying it. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer

A major asparagus producing area | Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture

The Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture is a major asparagus producing area. Fukushima Prefecture is ranked 5th in Japan in terms of asparagus planting area, with over 90% of that area being in the Aizu region

The Aizu region has always been a major rice farming region, and is blessed with fertile soil and abundant pure water. The cool climate of a snowy region also makes it ideal for growing delicious asparagus

Asparagus cultivation in the Aizu region is said to have begun around 1965. After repeated trial and error, soft and sweet asparagus was produced. Due to its high quality, it has now become a famous brand recognized nationwide

Characteristics of Aizu asparagus

Aizu asparagus is characterized by its delicious taste, wide variety, and long harvest season

Deliciousness

Aizu asparagus is grown in a cool climate with fertile soil, clean water, and large temperature differences. As a result, it is characterized by its sweetness and softness. Spring asparagus, harvested in early May, is particularly thick and firm, making it very satisfying to eat

A wide variety

What's surprising about Aizu asparagus is the wide variety. In addition to the common green and white asparagus, there are also purple and pink varieties, so even just making a salad with it can add a colorful touch

We also have asparagus, an original variety from Fukushima Prefecture

  • Harkithal (soft and juicy texture)
  • Fukukitaru (characterized by its rich flavor and crunchy texture)
  • Spring Town Green (thick and impressive)
  • Harumurasaki F (highly nutritious and can be eaten raw)

I'd love to try them both and compare them

Length of harvest season

Asparagus is usually harvested in May and July, but Aizu asparagus can be enjoyed from late March through October

The secret lies in the wide variety of cultivation methods available. By combining various cultivation methods, such as outdoor cultivation and forced cultivation in greenhouses, asparagus can be harvested over a long period of time

How to enjoy asparagus? Recommended recipes

Aizu asparagus is delicious, and we'd like to introduce you to a recommended way to enjoy it to the fullest

Grilled asparagus

Grilled asparagus

When enjoying fresh asparagus, we recommend grilling it. Of course, it's delicious boiled, but grilling it brings out its sweetness even more

The recommended cooking times for each type of cooking appliance are as follows. Please adjust the cooking times according to the power and heat of your appliances

  • Frying pan on low to medium heat: 4 to 6 minutes per side (if the pieces are thick, it is a good idea to cover)
  • Grill: 3-4 minutes per side
  • Toaster: about 5 minutes

Just sprinkle a little salt on it and you've got a dish that showcases the deliciousness of asparagus

Fried asparagus/tempura

Asparagus tempura

If you can get your hands on some thick, substantial asparagus, we recommend frying it. Coating it in batter and deep frying it in oil concentrates the sweetness. With just one bite, the delicious flavor of the juicy asparagus bursts out from the crispy batter

Wrapping asparagus in pork or ham, or sandwiching cheese between the pieces before coating it in batter, makes for a more filling and satisfying main dish

Asparagus Peperoncino

Conger eel and asparagus peperoncino

Adding asparagus to your usual peperoncino makes for a colorful and stylish pasta dish that brings spring to your table. The garlic and olive oil complement the sweet asparagus perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor

It's easy to make and looks great, so it's also recommended as a dish to serve to guests

summary

This time we introduced asparagus from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture

Soft and sweet, asparagus is a seasonal delicacy that heralds the arrival of spring. The Aizu region takes advantage of its blessed climate and many years of trial and error to produce a wide variety of delicious asparagus

We've also introduced three recipes that allow you to easily enjoy the delicious flavor of asparagus. We hope you'll try them out and discover the unique flavors of today

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