At all Farm Boy locations, you’ll discover an abundance of the freshest, longest-lasting produce. Our buyers are up early at the markets each day sourcing fruits and veggies at their peak quality—and local or Canadian whenever possible. We strive to bring you closer to the farm through exclusive in-store events and visits from our vendors, who are eager to share their stories and delicious foods with our customers. For us, a fun, fresh-market experience begins with our carefully curated selection of products and a deeply rooted connection with our communities. From vibrant colours and delightful aromas to tasty samples and handcrafted delicacies, we aim to inspire you from the moment you enter our stores!
Asparagus: some hate it, some love it. As with many types of produce, the key to enjoying this veggie often lies in its preparation and cooking. Whether baked, grilled, sautéed, or steamed, asparagus can add earthy depth to any dish. A favourite during the warm spring and hot summer seasons, it has a mild, spinach-like flavour that pairs well with rich dishes like grilled meats or creamy pastas. When enjoyed fresh—like in a salad—it has a crisp texture with a broccoli stem-like taste that’s slightly peppery and sweet. Dressed up or down, enjoyed simply on its own, or with a medley of flavours, it’s a versatile option when you need an easy crowd-pleaser. Discover interesting facts about asparagus and five simple, delicious ways to use it that are sure to make it the “stalk” of the town!
Where Does It Grow in Canada?
Asparagus is grown in British Columbia, Ontario, and Québec. With a majority of asparagus grown in Ontario, it is one of the first crops harvested during the late spring and early summer.
Main Types of Asparagus
Green Asparagus
Green asparagus is the most common variety and one of the most nutritious—it’s full of essential nutrients like vitamins B & C, potassium, calcium, folic acid, and more!
Purple Asparagus
This specialty variety is known to be more tender compared to other types. With nearly 20% more sugar than other kinds of asparagus, it has a sweeter, nuttier flavour profile.
White Asparagus
Accounting for only three acres of the total asparagus production in Canada, the white variety is truly a seasonal delicacy. Less common than others, it has a more mild, sweet flavour compared to green asparagus.
Did you know?
All asparagus plants are white before they surface above the soil and photosynthesize!
How to Prepare Asparagus
Wash asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt. Cut or snap off the ends to avoid woody, fibrous pieces. From steaming to grilling, asparagus can be cooked in various ways. The key to keeping it crisp, flavourful, and nutritious is to prevent overcooking. Depending on the thickness, asparagus can take anywhere between 3 to 8 minutes to cook. Something to look for during cooking is a change from pale green to a shiny vibrant hue. It should also transform from a crunchy texture to one that’s juicy and crisp. Don’t be afraid to taste test!
Tip: If you plan to serve asparagus cold, prepare it for later use, or incorporate it into your favourite recipes, it’s best to stop the cooking process by “shocking” it in a bowl of ice water. This technique helps preserve its vibrant colour, maintain a firmer texture, and prevent stringiness.
Five Ways to Enjoy Asparagus
Creamy Asparagus Soup
This soup is smooth, creamy, and elevates asparagus’s naturally earthy notes. Full of savoury umami and simple to prepare, it’s a no-fuss dish that works well as a weekly staple or an elevated dinner party starter. To fancify this soup, serve it with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil and a side of Farm Boy™ Rosemary & Sea Salt Breadsticks.
Recipe: https://www.farmboy.ca/recipes/creamy-asparagus-soup/
Grilled Asparagus Caprese Salad
We’ve taken a classic Italian dish and added our own twist by incorporating the smoky, nutty flavour of grilled asparagus. This salad features fresh, vibrant ingredients like lemon juice, aromatic basil leaves, tomatoes, and herbaceous Farm Boy™ Basil Pesto. To create your own trattoria-inspired meal, serve it with our Hot Italian Sausages and perhaps a Spinach and Sundried Tomato Pasta!
Recipe: https://www.farmboy.ca/recipes/grilled-asparagus-caprese-salad/
Sweet and Spicy Pan-Fried Asparagus
Whip up this dish in twenty minutes or less! It’s bursting with savoury, tangy flavours and crunchy textures that are sure to satisfy your palate. The warm heat of our Spicy Bomba is balanced by the sweetness of honey and the zing of Farm Boy™ White Wine Vinegar. Serve it as a side next to freshly grilled kebabs—we hand-stack kebabs fresh daily at our Butcher Shop using crisp veggies and succulent proteins.
Recipe: https://www.farmboy.ca/recipes/sweet-and-spicy-pan-fried-asparagus/
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Impress your guests with this restaurant-worthy appetizer. The saltiness of the prosciutto pairs perfectly with the spinach-like taste of cooked asparagus. Simply cook your asparagus using your desired method and wrap it with our traditionally crafted Farm Boy™ Prosciutto. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle it with a bit of our Farm Boy™ Glaze with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Made with traditionally crafted balsamic it’s bold, sharp, and syrupy.
Asparagus and Tomato Tart
Craft a rustic, homestyle tart using buttery Farm Boy™ Butter Puff Pastry, fresh tomatoes, tender asparagus, savoury shredded cheese, and fragrant basil leaves. Similar to a pizza, arrange your ingredients atop the pastry, fold the edges to form a crust, and bake until the pastry is golden and fully cooked.
Tip: Lightly cook the asparagus before baking with the puff pastry to ensure even doneness.
