| Family | Asparagus |
|---|---|
| Availability | No |
Availability: -
About Jersey Giant Asparagus
Many will recognize this variety of asparagus by its more common name – asparagus. Yup, this is the exact variety many think of when they imagine the vegetable. Jersey Giant asparagus is an all-male hybrid that consistently yields 2-3 times more spears than the “Mary Washington” variety. It is also resistant to rust, fusarium, and crown and root rot, making it a preferred choice for most farmers. The Jersey Giant variety is the most winter hardy of all the asparagus hybrids and is well-adapted to live in cool climates.
Jersey Giant asparagus produces medium to large (7-9″) green spears with purple bracts. Plants themselves can reach 4-5 feet, so it’s important to set the crowns a foot to a foot and a half apart. They thrive in deeply worked, fertile soil and love both full sun and partial shade. Jersey Giant asparagus plants are one of the more permanent vegetable crops in any garden, typically producing for 10-15 years after they are planted.
Flavor
The flavor of asparagus depends greatly on the time of harvest. For the Jersey Giant variety, heat above 70°F will cause the spears to “open” early and compromise the taste. It is recommended to cut them before the spears exceed 5″ to ensure a sweet, tender flavor.
Uses
Jersey Giant asparagus are often used for processing and for fresh markets. Enjoy them in a variety of ways, including boiled, steamed, roasted, broiled, sauteed, grilled, or pan-roasted. They cook up in minutes as a healthy side dish for any meal.
