ISHS Acta Horticulturae 776: XI International Asparagus Symposium
GREEN ASPARAGUS ON THE BORDERLINE? |
| Author: | I.M. Vågen |
| Keywords: | consumption, fructan, market, Norway, research, taste, temperature |
| Abstract:
To most Europeans Norway is known for its mountains, fjords and snow. The coastal areas of Southern Norway, however, are well-fit for production of green asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) due to its surprisingly mild climate, and sandy soils. Green asparagus production in Norway started less than 20 years ago, with a gradually expanding commercial production in the last 10-12 years. Still, the production covers less than 10% of the annual consumption, but is increasing. Chefs praise the very delicate and tasty Norwegian asparagus, and gladly pay a higher price for local produce compared to imports. Better taste and texture has been documented for certain fruits and vegetables when grown far north, mainly due to low temperature. A similar effect may well be the reason for the flavour intensity of Norwegian asparagus. Or is the flavour intensity just a result of short distance from farm to fork? A study on the impact of climatic factors, cultivation practice and storage on the formation and distribution of fructans is currently being planned. In connection with that, a study of determining factors for taste and texture would also be interesting, but such a study, which might be performed as an international cooperation, has not yet been further described. | |
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