Spargel. Strange word but it is in fact asparagus. Here in Darmstadt we are at the centre of Germany’s asparagus growing region. The harvest time is in early Spring and they have Spargel festivals as well as a variety of other activities all relating to continuing glory of the plant.
It is very different to the asparagus that we are used to at home as it is grown under the soil during the Winter months. As a result as soon as it breaks the surface of the soil they dig it up and the resulting plant is white and not green. It tastes pretty much the same but you need to peel off the woody external husk with a vegie peeler before cooking.
Hollandaise sauce is the prefered condiment along with a nice cool glass of local rhine riesling.
