White asparagus from the Landes sands, a gastronomic treasure of the region

It is slender, sweet, and delicate, offering sublime local flavors to your palate when it's time to make its appearance. In the Landes region, the end of winter heralds the return of spring and the star of the season: the white asparagus from the Landes sands. Head to the markets and greengrocers starting in March to savor this delicious spring vegetable, and don't forget to participate in "Asparagus Festival," which celebrates it every year.

White asparagus from the Landes sands, a vegetable with two labels in the Landes region

You can buy them with your eyes closed; they have two quality labels that guarantee the freshness and origin of your Landes Sand White Asparagus. Grown on vast sandy plains in a mild oceanic climate, they obtained the PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) designation in 2002, then the Label Rouge certification in 2024, with a few specific requirements to meet in order to display these prestigious labels:

• Grow in sandy soil with light, well-draining sand.
• Undergo a meticulous variety selection.
• They are to be harvested by hand during the season.
• They should be placed in a cool place within 4 hours of harvesting.
• Having impeccable traceability from the asparagus field to the plate.

Landes is the leading producer of white asparagus in France, with an annual production of over 4,000 tons across 850 hectares, harvested from March to June. Hurry and try them – they're always a hit!

White asparagus from the Landes sands, a meticulous cultivation

Do you know how white asparagus grows? They start as crowns planted each spring, before becoming beautiful vegetables ready to be harvested the following year at the same time. Planted in trenches and covered with soil, a process known as hilling, they develop quietly for a year before finally emerging... and even then, it's not guaranteed! Unlike purple asparagus, white asparagus never sees the sun before harvesting. They must therefore be carefully sought out and dug up to avoid damaging this delicate vegetable, cleaned, sorted by size, and refrigerated within four hours of being pulled from the ground. Harvested by hand from March to June, the white asparagus of the Landes Sands region are hidden treasures, the emblem of the Landes and of spring itself. The principle is the same for purple asparagus ; they simply have the opportunity to show their tips, which are colored pink/purple under the sun's rays.

The Asparagus Festival, an unmissable event in the Landes region

Do you love this pearly white vegetable, its subtle hazelnut flavor, and its melt-in-your-mouth sweetness? You'll love participating in "Asparagus Festival," which brings a vibrant energy to Mont-de-Marsan and soon the entire region. Held from March 17th to 29th, this event is in its 4^th year. For the occasion, some thirty chefs will showcase asparagus in everything from appetizers to desserts with creative and delicious recipes to be enjoyed without restraint. With a market, opportunities to meet producers, special menus prepared by passionate chefs, demonstrations, and entertainment, "Asparagus Festival" truly lives up to its name.

White asparagus from the Landes region: some recipes to cook at home

Put on your apron and whip up some delicious white asparagus recipes to enjoy without upsetting your digestive system. Light and flavorful, white asparagus is indeed a healthy vegetable, with only 25 calories per 100g. It's also renowned for its many health benefits, boasting diuretic, detoxifying, antioxidant, antiviral, and hydrating properties (92% water), as well as being a source of fiber, vitamins, calcium, and minerals. Get cooking!

• Landes white asparagus with Comté cheese and rocket, a dish enhanced by a potato and bacon emulsion, a fresh and gourmet combination.
• White asparagus from the Landes region and deviled eggs topped with capers and fresh herbs: a 100% spring starter
• Pan-fried white asparagus from the Landes region with vanilla, a delicious sweet and savory combination that will tantalize your taste buds as summer approaches.

Whether served cold, lukewarm, hot, or as a drink, they are simply delicious and can even be cooked on the barbecue, grill, or griddle in the summer. To boil them, tie them into a bundle and plunge it into simmering salted water, leaving the tips sticking out.

White asparagus from the Landes sands, a pure delight that brings the greatest joy to the taste buds.

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