If you’ve ever lived in Germany (or even visited in spring!), you know that Spargelzeit, white asparagus season, is kind of a big deal. From mid-April to late June, white asparagus becomes the absolute star of the whole country. That’s why we call it our 5th season!
Farmers’ markets overflow with tall, pale stalks and restaurant menus react. And then there are families all over that gather to peel, cook, and serve it in so many delicious ways. It’s easy to fall for this seasonal food trend and I am personally totally on board!
You’re in the right place whether you grew up with Spargel on your springtime table or are just discovering this beautiful vegetable now. I did the hard work of pulling together 7 of my favorite white asparagus recipes (some already loved by many and some coming soon!) to help you celebrate the season.
These are comforting and fresh, and take me right over to Germany during Spargelzeit! And I hope they bring a little seasonal magic into your kitchen, too.
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First, What’s the Deal with White Asparagus?
Unlike green asparagus, white asparagus is grown underground and never reaches the surface. This prevents it from developing chlorophyll, which keeps the stalks white and gives them a milder, more delicate flavor than green asparagus. This also means that it’s usually thicker and needs to be peeled. Spring in Germany would not be the same without it!
We don’t mess around with the holy ‘white gold,’ as we call white asparagus in Germany. It’s meticulously peeled, gently simmered, and often served with ham, potatoes, and a silky hollandaise sauce. But I am going to show you that it can shine in many different ways in this post.
If you’re curious about why Germans are so obsessed with Spargel, I highly recommend reading this article on the cultural roots of Spargelzeit. It may just make you fall in love with it even more.
How to Prep White Asparagus (The German Way)
- Peel it. This is the main preparation difference compared to green asparagus. I know. That’s kind of a bummer, but it’s not so bad. Especially if you choose to invite a friend to help you! Start just below the tip and work your way down with a vegetable peeler.
- Trim the ends. White asparagus is super tender at the tip and gets stringier the more you go down to the bottom.Cutting off about ½ to 1 inch (about 1 to 2 centimeters) off the ‘woody’ bottom is usually perfect.
- Simmer in flavored water. Salt, sugar, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a tablespoon of butter make the cooking water just right. Bring to a boil and let it gently simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your white asparagus. You can even add the peels during the cooking process for extra flavor.
Regardless, don’t toss the peels! You’ll use them in one of the recipes below and it’s a great way to flavor the cooking water.
7 White Asparagus Recipes to Make This Spring
1. Classic White Asparagus with Hollandaise, Ham & Potatoes
This is the classic Spargelzeit recipe. White asparagus is gently cooked and served with slices of salty, smoked ham, buttery potatoes, and a super easy, homemade hollandaise sauce (it’s fool-proof!). This meal is simple, comforting, and the most traditional way to experience Spargel.
2. Sarage flambee (White Asparagus Flatbread)
This thin, crispy German-style flatbread gets a springy twist with white asparagus, creamy cheese (I use Cambozola, which is a mix of creamy blue cheese and camembert), and prosciutto ham. It’s quick to make, perfect for entertaining, and SO GOOD! You could even use jarred white asparagus for this one, which skips the peeling and cooking!
3. Creamy White Asparagus Soup (Spargelsuppe)
This soup makes the most of your asparagus using the peels and ends! It’s so full of refreshing flavor, yet it’s velvety and creamy. It feels like a hug in a bowl and is the perfect meal for a rainy Spring day (we usually get many – especially in Germany).
4. Break the salad paste
White asparagus tossed in a tangy, but creamy dressing with pasta, hard-boiled eggs, radishes, and eggs. This white asparagus pasta salad so good! it’s easy and perfect for lunches or long evenings of grilling out and served alongside grilled bratwurst for currywurstchicken, or Roast.
5. Spargel Crêpes with Ham & Cheese
Okay, loving all things Spargel, it’s hard to pick a number one. But this French-leaning soft crêpe version may have stolen my heart. It’s filled with white asparagus, a little smoked ham, and the creamiest herbed crème fraîche sauce! These are super fun to serve for brunch or as a cozy spring dinner.
6. Roasted White Asparagus with Lemon-Herb Butter
Coming soon!
No boiling here. Just roast your peeled white asparagus in the oven and drizzle with lemony herb butter. It’s amazing on fresh bread with smoked ham (boiled or dry-cured) for a delicious twist on the Dinner experience. It’s the kind of low-effort, weeknight meal we need more of!
7. White Asparagus, Ham and Potato Snow
This white asparagus with prosciutto and ‘potato snow’ is the modernized version of the classic white asparagus meal with hollandaise. Instead of hollandaise though, we are topping our Spargel in a light, lemony béchamel sauce, which perfectly complements the airy and light ‘potato snow.’ Overall, this is the less heavy version of the classic Spargel meal and I love it so much.
Want the new recipes first?
I’m adding new white asparagus recipes throughout Spargelzeit, and I’d love for you to be the first to know!
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Prost to a beautiful Spargelzeit!
Enjoy your Spargel with a delicate drink like a white wine. Silver, Pinot Blanc and an off-dry Riesling are my top choices!
I hope you found a few recipes to fall in love with. White asparagus season doesn’t last long, but it’s a perfect reminder to live and enjoy the moment. And I’m so glad we get to celebrate it together.
Tag me on Instagram if you make any of these dishes. I love to see what you cook in your kitchen!