Description
The Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar PGI is a vegetable (asparagus) obtained from the spears of asparagus from Asparagus officinalis L. species.
Production Area
The production area of Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar PGI is located in some municipal areas in the western part of the Granada la Vega district, on the Bay of Genil River, between the Subbética Cordillera and the Penibética Cordillera in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia.
Production Method
The product is cultivated at altitudes of about 450-650 m over sea level, mainly in small, family-managed plantations with an average area of half a hectare. Harvesting, one of the most delicate phases, takes place every day, in the morning, when the spear achieves more quality. Also transportation, like harvesting, is made accurately to not affect the product's quality. Later the fresh product is classified and packed. For asparaguses which must be used to prepare conserves, the process takes place after the classification.
Appearance and Flavour
The Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar PGI is thin, with sharp upper end and a colour which spans from violet to bronze and green. It is characterized by a bitter taste and a fleshy structure, compact but tender at the same time.
History
The origins of Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar PGI go back to the Roman epoch, when it was not yet cultivated but it grew spontaneously in the production area.
Gastronomy
The Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar PGI, must be stored in the refrigerator, immediately after harvesting. The product can be eaten fresh or conserved. When fresh, it can be boiled, vapourcooked or grilled. The Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar PGI is used with tomato salads, lettuce, onions and other ingredients or together with meat and fish dishes. It can be seasoned with oil, vinegar, lemon or mayonnaise and, finally, it can be served both hot and cold. The hardest side of asparaguses is used to prepare soups. It is also suitable to prepare sweets.
Marketing
The product is sold as Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar PGI, fresh in the classes Extra and I, and in conserves. When the Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar PGI is fresh, it is sold in bunches of 1 to 2 kg, while when used for conserves it undergoes a burning process and then it is packed in glass pots or tins.
Distinctive Features
The continental climate and the alluvial grounds help to make Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar PGI unique.
