Cherie Watte, executive director of the California Asparagus Commission, said that “growers have recovered from weather-related delays at the start of the season and all areas are now in full production. Pre-harvest rains have given growers some of the finest quality asparagus seen in years.”
Watte added that the Commission has funded a series of consumer recipe releases that are now running in newspapers and magazines across the country. A number of restaurant chains and university campuses are also taking full advantage of the versatility and image-building power of California asparagus.
The newly redesigned and updated website – www.calasparagus.com – has separate sections for consumers looking for recipes and product-related information, usage ideas for foodservice customers, and care and handling/merchandising support for retailers. The site also has a link to an area where retailers can find proven-effective sales support materials.
California growers expect to be able to ship asparagus well beyond the Mother’s Day peak, with the current hope to supply the market well into June.
Source: California Asparagus Commission
