Hungarian asparagus producers may obtain smaller revenue this year, as the cool weather has resulted in a very slow start to the season, with some areas expecting a 20-30 percent fall in the production volume. The demand for high-quality Hungarian fresh asparagus for consumption in the domestic market is also growing, reports the Hungarian Times.
The asparagus acreage in Hungary continues to grow from year to year. While in 2014 a total of 1,200 hectares were cultivated, now the acreage exceeds 1,400 hectares, and this trend is expected to continue, thanks to the support provided by the Hungarian fruit and vegetable Interprofessional Organization and Marketing Board (FruitVeB), but also to the fact that, while asparagus is a costly plant, it ensures a stable and rising demand.
In Hungary, the main season lasts from the first half of May until the first half of June. Two types of asparagus are commonly available: white and green, although this does not mean two distinct varieties; the only difference is their ripeness. According to Zoltan Gubacsi, vice-president of FruitVeb, over the last 10-15 years there has been a steady increase in the demand for green asparagus.
Eighty percent of Hungary's domestic harvest is intended for foreign markets.
