Description
The Marchfeldspargel PGI is a white asparagus, perennial herbaceous plant of the Gigliacee Asparagoidee family, belonging to the Asparagus officinalis species.
Production Area
The production area of Marchfeldspargel PGI lies in the Marchfeld area, flanked by the Danube, northeast of Vienna, in the federal state of Lower Austria.
Production Method
Marchfeldspargel PGI needs a soil with a high level of humus and high temperatures for its cultivation. Some producers grow these asparagus in thermally heated fields using a thermal blanket below ground that allows obtaining a product of superior quality. Harvesting takes place when the asparagus has not yet broken ground.
Appearance and Flavour
Marchfeldspargel PGI is a product known for its tenderness and stands out for its delicate aroma, even if it does have a slight bitter taste. It has always been considered a high quality product and excellent production particularly appreciated by consumers, the product nickname given to this product is somewhat emblematic, "the magic wand of spring".
History
The green asparagus was wild up until 400 B.C., and it was used as a medicinal plant in China, Persia and Greece. The Egyptians discovered its culinary use around 300 B.C. and called it "food of the gods". The first historically known cultivation of asparagus can be attributed to the Romans. However, up until the 14th century the asparagus was still used for medicine and only a century after did it arrive in the gardens of princely dynasties to delight the taste buds of the guests. The white variety was discovered towards the middle of the 18th century, unique for its characteristics from which stems the Marchfeldspargel PGI.
Gastronomy
The Marchfeldspargel PGI should be stored in a cool, moist and dark place such as a refrigerator, making sure to wrap them in a damp cloth, where it can remain for about 10 days. Marchfeldspargel PGI is traditionally consumed cooked and plays a leading role on the table as a key component of different risottos or the typical eggs and asparagus dish, where the vegetable is boiled and served with a simple sauce made of boiled eggs. Many restaurants offer Marchfeldspargel PGI dishes for a full week in May and June, to pay homage to the quality of this product.
Marketing
The product is sold as Marchfeldspargel PGI. It is marketed fresh and packaged in individual packs.
Distinctive Features
Marchfeldspargel PGI is rich in beneficial properties that stimulate the metabolism, being as they clean the blood, help to eliminate toxins, support the functions of the liver, kidneys and lungs and fight the impurities of the skin. It is also a valuable ally of diabetics due to its lack of calories.
