Wild asparagus grows in the Mediterranean region and is the spicier version of green cultivated asparagus. Where it often occurs, how to prepare it and more information can be found here.
Wild asparagus, also known as forest asparagus, is a delicacy for asparagus lovers. The wild asparagus is mainly found in the Mediterranean region, for example in Croatia, southern Italy or Greece. You can collect it there between March and May. Wild asparagus looks similar to green cultivated asparagus, but tastes much more aromatic and spicier. Not everyone likes the intense, slightly bitter taste, but you should definitely try the healthy vegetable at least once.
Wild asparagus: Attention, risk of confusion!
Wild asparagus is not always “real” wild asparagus. It is often a question of other plants that are incorrectly named as such – for example wild hops or the Pyrenees milk star. As the name suggests, the latter comes from the Pyrenees and is often imported from France. Although both belong to the asparagus family, the milk star is only distantly related to the true forest asparagus.
Collect wild asparagus
On the other hand, it grows lush in parts of southern Europe, for example Apulia, and on Istria, a Croatian peninsula. The annual forest asparagus harvest takes place there from March to May: thousands of Croatians then collect the wild asparagus. But even there you need a practiced eye and patience, because the thin rungs are not always easy to spot.
So if you ever want to prick wild asparagus yourself, you could combine the whole thing with a trip. Alternatively, you can get hold of the asparagus at the weekly markets there.
Warning: there are many snakes in Croatia. If you go looking for wild asparagus, you should have a stick with you to scare them away. Also wear long clothes.
Wild asparagus: How to prepare it
If you are lucky enough to get your hands on wild asparagus, the preparation is very easy. First check if it has woody ends and cut them off if necessary. Simply blanch the rest in salted water for five minutes. You can serve it with olive oil and some lemon juice, for example.
You can also prepare wild asparagus in a frittata. Or you puree the cooked asparagus spears and add them to a risotto.
