Event: Germany - Gross-Gerau

Asparagus Days in the Gerauer Land

When:	25 Apr - 24 Jun 2008 (annual)
Where:	Gross-Gerau
Costs:	Various
Opening Hours:	Various

Never underestimate the ability of Germans to go gaga for asparagus in springtime. The Asparagus Days in the Gerauer Land festival proves it, as the towns and villages around Gross-Gerau combine the vegetable with everything from champagne to comedy.

All over Germany, the arrival of Spargelsaison (asparagus season) warms the hearts of eager eaters, while restaurateurs, retailers and agricultural towns dream up asparagus-themed events. Pride of place goes to fat stalks of blanched asparagus, white with a purple blush, though green asparagus can also be found. German-grown asparagus, especially from particular towns and districts, commands a premium.

Going to a growing region like Gross-Gerau at this time of year lets you enjoy some freshly-picked specimens. Hit the farmers' markets in this region or patronise a restaurant which insists on fresh ingredients and you can make a memorable meal of flavourful, tender spears, especially if you pair them with the better Rieslings of the nearby Rheingau and Bergstrasse wine districts.

A variety of events takes place during the Spargeltage (Asparagus Days), in both Gross-Gerau town and the outlying towns. An Asparagus Gala opens the festivities. Restaurants lay on special menus and amateur cooks may want to buy asparagus direct from one of the many farms in the district (Hofverkauf) or pick up new skills at one of the special cooking courses.