Overview
- A North Rhine-Westphalia grower says May often brings higher prices because early yields are limited and several holidays bunch demand.
- He adds that most spears are still picked by hand since current machines damage or shorten stalks, which keeps labor costs high.
- Buying guides recommend loose, local bundles with firm closed tips, slightly glossy stalks, and moist, light-colored cut ends for peak freshness.
- Fresh unpeeled spears keep two to three days in the fridge when wrapped in a damp cloth, while peeled spears last about a day or can be frozen for months.
- Cooking advice highlights three frequent errors: under-peeling white spears, skipping a pinch of sugar to balance bitterness, and boiling tips instead of letting them steam.