Weather doesn’t cooperate
It’s getting scarce for regional asparagus at Easter
4/1/2023, 1:18 p.m
Many people like to have the first local asparagus on their plate at Easter. But the low temperatures are delaying the harvest in Schleswig-Holstein. Nevertheless, farmers are optimistic about the asparagus season.
If you are looking forward to asparagus from Schleswig-Holstein for Easter, you should have a plan B ready. According to the Chamber of Agriculture, the probability that asparagus from regional cultivation in Schleswig-Holstein can be offered in good time has fallen. The foothills of winter still have the state under control and spring doesn’t seem to be able to assert itself yet. It’s supposed to be sunny for the weekend, just not noticeably warmer.
However, the producers are optimistic about the asparagus season. Because the qualities are promising. “The figures from previous years show that consumers are willing to buy asparagus from local cultivation,” said spokeswoman Daniela Rixen. The Chamber of Agriculture and the asparagus working group assume that cost increases, for example for energy and the minimum wage, will not be passed on directly to customers via prices.
It can also be assumed that, despite inflation, most consumers will not refrain from buying the first regional seasonal vegetable of the year. “Asparagus is still traditionally on the menu for many people in Germany, especially during the May holidays,” said Rixen. According to their statements, the producers hope that the sales reluctance of the previous year will not be repeated. It was due to the general uncertainty and not to the prices, which were similarly high in the two very good asparagus years of 2020 and 2021.
In Schleswig-Holstein, most of the harvest from around 400 hectares of asparagus fields is marketed directly.