Castelbello Asparagus

During a stay in Castelbello-Ciardes you can discover beautiful landscapes, works of art and historical treasures and taste traditional specialities. Numerous restaurants in Castelbello-Ciardes use high-quality food from the near surroundings for the preparation of delicious dishes. More than 20 years ago, Hubert Pohl of the Köfelgut in Castelbello started with the cultivation of asparagus by using new varieties and new cultivation methods, whereas the cultivation of asparagus in private vegetable gardens has existed for many more years. This first asparagus plantation is harvested for the last time this year. 20 years are a long time for asparagus but at the same time a clear sign that the soil along the Adige river in Castelbello is ideal for the cultivation of asparagus.
The taste and therefore the quality of asparagus mainly depend on the soil which changes every 100 m in our area. White asparagus need the moderately warm climate which is typical for Central Europe. Due to premature ripening that results in higher prices asparagus are increasingly cultivated in Southern Europe (Spain and Greece) and in tropical countries such as Peru. The big disadvantage is long transportation which negatively influences both freshness and taste of asparagus.

The cultivation in Val Venosta has in the meantime been extended to nearly 3 ha which corresponds to a harvest of app. 300 quintals. The harvest season starts at mid-April and ends at the beginning of June. Production costs of asparagus are high. Harvest costs alone (harvesting, washing, selecting and packing) are app. 4,50 € per kilo. But we also offer second and third quality asparagus which are equally tasteful.
The quality of asparagus mainly depends on its freshness. We therefore usually harvest and deliver it to restaurants, shops and private clients on the same day.

We await you at the Castelbello asparagus weeks – a collaboration of many restaurants, winegrowers, asparagus growers and traders – from mid-April to the end of May!

Source: Hubert Pohl, Köfelgut, Castelbello