Valmacca Asparagus

The asparagus is cultivated both in the plain of Casalese area and in the area along the river Po between Moncestino and Gabiano. It is a perennial species whose edible parts are the sprouts developing from the "legs" (subterranean rhizome). The traditional cultivation area of this vegetable is Valmacca, with the variety Argenteuil Valmorin France imported from France in 1920.

Soft pink and green in its final part, about 22 cm high at the moment of the sale, it is characterized by an intense taste and holds up to cooking: these features depend from the environment, kind of soil, and cultivation techniques.
Cut perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, asparaguses are united in bunches of about 1 kg each, tied with willow small branches. When they are not sold during the day, asparaguses are put into special boxes with some water. They are mainly sold locally, at the market of Valmacca.