It’s time again for asparagus!

It’s spring and that means asparagus season has started again! You can find the “white gold” on many Dutch people’s plates again. Dutch asparagus are among the best in the world and it is a true delight for many to eat this delicacy, both in the most sophisticated restaurants and in rural areas where they come fresh from the land. This spring vegetable is most delicious when it is just emerging from the ground. We have therefore sought out the best asparagus growers and restaurants for you.

Enjoy the white gold until June 24

The asparagus season traditionally begins at the end of March and runs until June 24, the feast day of St. John. It is a period when asparagus is at its best, with its characteristic freshness and juiciness. At this time of year, countless restaurants across the country come up with surprising asparagus dishes, ranging from classic preparations to modern interpretations.

Culinary delights in (pop-up) restaurants

Indulge in a delicious culinary meal. There are countless restaurants in the Netherlands that have mastered the art of preparing asparagus to perfection. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy eateries, there is something for everyone. We highlight some of them for you!

At Planken Wambuis in Ede you are definitely in the right place if you love asparagus! Every spring the kitchen staff prepares the most delicious dishes with this Dutch white gold.

Restaurant De Ruif is even so fond of asparagus that they usher in the asparagus season with a real asparagus festival on April 18! The chefs will create an exclusive menu for this evening, supported by appropriate wines. And of course, asparagus will also be on the menu at De Ruif in the weeks after April 18.

Auberge de Rousch in Heerlen is serving a delicious 5-course asparagus menu until June 1. So enjoy a complete asparagus menu here in the attractive restaurant, in the cozy rose garden or in the beautiful pond garden.

In Blaricum, from May 30 to June 16, the asparagus will be honored with The Asparagus Dinner. Every evening you are welcome from 6 p.m. on the edge of the field and from 7 p.m. you will enjoy a delicious four-course asparagus dinner. Be sure to check the website for the program as there are a few private evenings and a few party evenings in addition to the regular dinner.

For five weeks you can enjoy the most delicious dishes, in which the white gold takes center stage during the event Asperges in the Field. A selection of top chefs, most of them from starred restaurants, will cook for you the stars of heaven, both at lunch and dinner. From May 16 to June 2 they can be found in Cromvoirt and from June 6 to June 17 in Prinsenbeek.

Fresh from the Land: Buying Asparagus at the Farm

For the ultimate asparagus experience, of course, you have to go to the source. Fortunately, there are plenty of farms in the Netherlands where you can buy crisp, fresh asparagus straight from the land. Some farms even offer the opportunity to pick your own asparagus, which is a fun and educational activity for the whole family.

Want to pick asparagus yourself? You can do so at Aspergehof Noordam in Woubrugge. This asparagus farm is a short 30-minute drive from major cities like Amsterdam and The Hague. There the asparagus are already available from March. You can buy them there but you can also join one of the fun group arrangements. The arrangement called “De Boer Opgaan” is a guided tour from 10 people, where you get to pick your own asparagus.

Also at Asperge Farm Sandur, you can not only buy fresh asparagus, but also participate in tours and workshops to learn more about growing and preparing asparagus. And you can even have lunch or dinner there! And on the website, in addition to their web shop, you’ll find useful storage and preparation tips and fun recipes.

Do you live near Schijf near Roosendaal and do you prefer to eat your asparagus as fresh as possible? Then be sure to get them at De Nederheide Asparagus Farm. In season, you can get day-fresh white asparagus there 7 days a week in the farm store. You can also go here for complete asparagus meals prepared with local produce. And also take a look at their website for a wide variety of asparagus recipes.

Easy asparagus recipes to make at home

Once you’ve bought your fresh asparagus, it’s time to get into the kitchen and experiment with new and exciting recipes. In addition to the recipes you can find on the websites at the crofters mentioned above, here are a few more ideas to get you started:

Grilled Asparagus with Parma Ham and Balsamic Glaze

Cut asparagus in half lengthwise, grill until crisp, then wrap in slices of Parma ham. Drizzle with a tasty balsamic glaze for an extra dimension of flavor.

Asparagus salad with smoked salmon, Parmesan cheese and balsamic sauce

Cook the asparagus until tender and set aside. Spread some iceberg dressing on a dish and place the asparagus on top. Cover the asparagus with slices of smoked salmon and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese flakes. Finally, drizzle the balsamic sauce on top.

Asparagus isotto with lemon and tarragon

Add cooked asparagus to a creamy risotto along with some fresh lemon zest and tarragon leaves for a sophisticated and spring-like dish.

Asparagus Quiche with Goat Cheese and Garden Herbs

Top a crispy puff pastry base with steamed asparagus, crumbled goat cheese and a handful of fresh garden herbs such as parsley, thyme and basil. Pour a mixture of eggs and cream on top and bake until golden brown and cooked.

Celebrate asparagus season! Whether you dine at a fancy restaurant, buy fresh asparagus from the farmer or experiment with new recipes at home, there is always something to enjoy during this special time of year. Enjoy your meal!

Credits photos: www.canva.com