Foraging for wild asparagus has become one of my favourite springtime activities.
The first time I learned of wild asparagus was one morning during my first year in Provence when I noticed a couple women on the roadside slyly carrying small green bundles. They were peering into the tangle of weeds in the nearby ditch. I knew instantly that there was something I was missing out on.
Spring Foraging in Provence
I found the cherished green shoots and asked the stealth foragers what they did with them. Omelets. The French traditionally cut their foraged asparagus into their omelets or serve them steamed on the side.
Foraging for these wild vegetables is such a joy. Once you train your eye to see them- you’ll have guaranteed bundles of the stuff at this time of year.
The easiest way to find wild asparagus is to look for last year’s growth (what is left after the locals pick the forest clean). It looks a little like a prickly fern, a lot like a cultivated asparagus plant but more compact.
They taste exactly like cultivated asparagus- although with a stronger onion flavour. I’ve experimented cooking them in many different ways and have found that lightly steaming them is best.
The stems shooting out of the ground, by the time you notice them, can be very long (sometimes up to my shoulder- quite tall for a plant despite my petite-ness). Sadly, only the very ends are palatable, which will be evident when you pick them. They snap at the ends, as would a garden asparagus. I tend to find these tasty morsels mostly under the shade of large conifers here in Provence. However, I hear that they are often found on sandy cliffs as well (in Great Britain and in abundance on the west coast of the United States). Here in Provence, the asparagus season starts around the end of March and continues for about 6 weeks.
So, if you’re in Provence and fancy a rewarding stroll- head for some woodland…but never with a basket- or people will follow you. If you don’t have time to forage (what incredible joy you’re missing out on) there is often wild asparagus sold at local markets- but only what the forest provides- be quick!
Wild Asparagus growing in fragrant Santoline (Lavandar Cotton)
Have you managed to find wild asparagus where you live? What did you do with it?
Your Mom forwarded this to me…fascinating info. You sound sound enviably calm!
We don’t get to do much foraging here, but it sounds like a wonderful thing to do.
Please add me to your list of interested parties. Thanks, linda
This blog is just delightful! I would love to sign up for updates but don’t see how. Please let me know how I can automatically receive them. I would look forward to each installment with my morning coffee! I would look forward to not only the slice of life in provence but also seeing how a young woman makes her dreams come true!
OK, my mouth is drooling for asparagus. We are still in Mexico, but we leave here next week for a leisurely 6 week journey back to NH. Loved your blog!!
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand
your stuff prior to and you are just extremely wonderful.
I actually like what you have obtained right here, really
like what you are stating and the way in which by which
you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to stay it wise.
I can’t wait to learn far more from you. This is
really a wonderful website.
Thank you!
Hello I am so thrilled I found your weblog,
I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Yahoo
for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a incredible post
and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don’t have time to read it all at the minute
but I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so
when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up
the excellent work.
Feel free to surf to my web site :: Paramotor hang gliders – Paramotor Paramotoring
I’m so glad that you’ve enjoyed the blog so far! Stay safe with those gliders!
Ashley, you do such a great job explaining all of your topics! I want to forage….I want asparagus!…my favorite…..I want figs….I want to go to country markets…..I want to delight in Pasteries…..i want,…… I WANT!!!!! You make me want to return to your adopted Country. And see it through your eyes?….instead of Rick Steves….who did a great job for us in our month there. Please go back and read changing want to the word need! Thanks again for this wonderful blog!
You’re so kind thank you!