Washington State Fresh Asparagus Harvest Hits Stores This Week
Washingtoner/10167482

ELTOPIA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Washington State's family farmers and packers are readying for the 2022 season with their fresh, vibrant asparagus available at regional supermarkets, farmers markets and restaurants this week, into June. In 2021, approximately 15 million pounds of asparagus were harvested, with an economic impact of $30 million for growers and packers. Washington State is one of the nation's leading producers of domestic asparagus.

"We're working in earnest to return to harvesting over 20 million pounds this season. Last season was the first time we did not harvest at least 20 million pounds in more than 50 years. Pressure from import competition and unseasonable weather factored into what would otherwise have been a much more productive and lucrative year," said Washington Asparagus Commission Executive Director Alan Schreiber.

Enhanced growing techniques and stricter rules on chemical inputs have researchers testing new asparagus varieties that are naturally more resistant to soil disease. Washington's organic production of fresh asparagus remains strong, accounting for approximately eight percent annually.

More on Washingtoner

• People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos Welcomes Two New Trustees as Organization Enters 54th Year and Expands Community Reach
• Tacoma: City Manager Hyun Kim Details 'Roadmap to Recovery' Addressing the City's General Fund Deficit and Modernizing City Operations
• With a Dream and a Team, Monalisa Okojie Is Empowering the Next Generation Through EXPOSE NGO
• Spokane: DUI Driver Taken Into Custody After Attempting to Flee from Officers
• Tacoma Police Department to Recognize Five Tacoma Public School Employees Who Intervened in Violent Assault

Washington fresh asparagus exceeds USDA standards with "Extra Fancy" designation. Its small carbon footprint translates to superior freshness, flavors, and quality over imported counterparts. Local fresh asparagus is identified with "Washington" bands on asparagus bundles, shelf talkers, or by asking stores for fresh asparagus from Washington State.

The health benefits of asparagus are bountiful. Research has found it can protect the body from chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. It's fat-free, cholesterol-free, and its amino acid helps cleanse the body of toxins. It's rich in fiber, Vitamins A, C, K, E, folate, and glutathione (anti-carcinogen and antioxidant).

Choose odorless, green (or purple) firm stalks with dry, compact or barely-opened tips. To store, wrap the ends in a wet paper towel, place inside a plastic bag, refrigerate and use as soon as possible. To prepare, rinse under cool water and snap or cut the white end of the stalk, approximately the bottom half-inch.

More on Washingtoner

• American Properties Realty, Inc. Celebrates 2026 FAME Awards - Community of the Year - Heritage at South Brunswick
• Spokane City Council Approves Activation of Public Spaces Program
• Mel Blackwell to Keynote 2026 NSSF Marketing and Leadership Summit
• SmartCone and Samsung Launch RoadDefender™ to Enhance Real-Time Safety for Roadside Workers
• The Personal Development Industry Has a Blind Spot Says Global Personal Success Guru Omar L. Harris

Northwest chef recipes: waasparagus.com/recipes.

Washington Asparagus Commission

Established in 1991, The Washington Asparagus Commission promotes Washington asparagus domestically, monitors and addresses trade issues, and advances environmentally sound production practices through research. The Washington Asparagus Commission represents the growers' interest in areas and issues relating to the asparagus industry. waasparagus.com.

Contacts

Evado PR
Heather Jensvold, heather@evadopr.com

---

Show All News | Disclaimer | Report Violation