As they do every year, consumers eagerly awaited the arrival of this season’s crop of Michigan asparagus. Though the harvest was delayed by about a week, the season is now in full swing and Michigan asparagus has excellent quality this year, with spear tips that are tight and extremely flavorful.
The asparagus has thick spears and a uniform, beautiful look. Supply is ample as the weather provided an ideal climate in which to grow tasty product in. The Michigan asparagus season is at its midway point and the weather outlook for the remainder of June supports continued harvesting of excellent quality asparagus.
With the current high transportation costs, both domestic and abroad, buying local is more important than ever. Less miles traveled and a shorter supply chain, coupled with a duty to support smaller, local, family-owned businesses and sustainability efforts, are all important things to consider.
“Michigan asparagus is a great item with which to promote buying local produce as it is a low-food mile vegetable that arrives fresh from farm to table in less than three days,” said Jamie Clover Adams, executive director of the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board. “Michigan can boast an incredible location when it comes to shipping, as it is within 850 miles of more than half the U.S. population.”
While consumer shopping habits have changed in the past two years, at the same time they are cooking more and grilling and barbecuing are as popular as ever.
The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board focuses on educating consumers on the importance of buying local versus imported asparagus, as well as the plethora of health benefits asparagus has. The board continues to roll out new content daily during the season and hosts weekly giveaways via social media contests throughout June.
