Fresh, local asparagus is now in season! As the weather warms up, asparagus begins to grow at a fast pace on farms across southern Idaho – growing as much as 6-8 ” on a warm spring day! Producers pick asparagus daily, cutting each stock by hand. You can find Idaho asparagus at retailers, farmers markets and on-farm stands across southern Idaho.

Asparagus in Idaho might not always be in season, but Idaho wine is! Are you looking for new dinner ideas? Try this perfect pairing: Grilled Idaho grown asparagus and SawtoothWinery 2018 Fly Series Dry Riesling.

What to Look For: Thickness is a matter of taste, but whether you like thin spears or thick, stalks should be bright green and firm. Choose bunches with firm stalks, tightly closed tips and no flowering.

How to Store: Asparagus is best cooked the day it’s purchased, but it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days in one of the following ways: Wrap the bottoms of the stalks in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag and store in crisper, OR stand the bundled stalks in a bowl or jar with about an inch of water in the bottom.
Preparation: ​This first crop of spring is very versatile. It can be eaten raw, steamed, broiled, roasted or grilled and is great with or without added seasonings. For great asparagus recipe ideas go here.

Sunnyside Farm in New Plymouth is a fourth generation farm that grows asparagus and sells it at their on site farm stand. Look for Sunnyside Farms asparagus at Cliffs Market in Caldwell and also at Blue Barn Produce outside of Notus.

Owyhee Produce is a family owned and operated farm that specializes in onions and asparagus. Shop for their asparagus in Fruitland at the Henggeler’s packaging shed. Owyhee Produce offers bulk sales on asparagus. Also, look for Owyhee Produce asparagus at your local Walmart. Look for a purple band that says Ida Spear.