Description
The Asperge des Sables des Landes PGI is a type of asparagus belonging exclusively to the variety of white and violet asparaguses.
Production Area
The production area of the Asperge des Sables des Landes PGI, defined as Landes de Gascone, includes the whole Landes department, parts of the Gironde department and part of the Lot-et-Garonne department, in the Aquitaine region.
Production Method
The asparagus is a perennial plant that can be grown for about 10 years. Production begins in the third year and lasts for about seven years. That part which can be consumed is the spear, which is the underground stem and the final part of the crown. Production begins by planting the crown, between March and May, in sandy soil which is very well drained, tilled to form a mound of approximately 30 cm. First harvesting occurs between March and May of the third year. Spears are immediately protected from exposure to light and heat, within four hours of harvesting and then chilled out.
Appearance and Flavour
The Asperge des Sables des Landes PGI is a fresh, white or violet type of asparagus, premature, of good shape, turgid and without fibres, a few bitter, tender, sweet and fragile. Violet colouring is the result of exposure to light for a few hours and in no way impairs the quality of taste of the asparagus.
History
The Asperge des Sables des Landes PGI history is closely related to harvesting of asparaguses, from the beginning of the 20th century in the Landes area. This type of production has been developed since 1960s, period in which the asparagus was considered an extremely rare and unusual product.
Gastronomy
The asparagus is a fragile plant that is affected by temperature changes. It is kept in a fresh and humid place and must be consumed as soon as possible. The Asperge des Sables des Landes PGI can be blanched in boiling water, then sautéed in butter or olive oil. Asparaguses are well combined with eggs and cheese; they are often served as an exquisite side-dish for meat and fish.
Marketing
The product is sold as Asperge des Sables des Landes PGI. It is marketed exclusively fresh, packed in bunches, in individual packages or placed in layers in the packaging.
Distinctive Features
The regional climate can be described as oceanic, typical of the Aquitaine region, i.e. temperatehumid. Spring is early, with fairly heavy precipitations and mild temperatures, with dry and hot summers, together with the producers' experience, provide the Asperge des Sables des Landes PGI the characteristics that distinguish them from other quality of asparaguses.
