Cilavegna pink asparagus

Prodotto Agroalimentare Tipico (PAT) – Traditional regional food product

Asparagus is a vegetable belonging to the family of Liliaceae. The Cilavegna asparagus are white in colour, with pastel pink tips which are long and thin. They have a unique aroma and a flavour that is sweet and delicate.

Harvest takes place from the start of April to the end of May. The excellent quality of the product is furthermore ensured by the ancient and traditional harvesting methods used: weeding is done by use of small hoes without the use of pesticides. Each asparagus is picked by means of a specific tool known as calzasparago, essential for detaching the vegetable from its root under the ground. The Asparagus Producers Consortium of Cilavegna was founded In 1987. Asparagus are part of the Arca del Gusto, a Slow Food Movement project which encompasses small productions of gastronomic excellence threatened by industrial agriculture, environmental damage, and standardisation. Asparagus are in season in the springtime and rich in dietary fibre, vitamins and mineral salts, mainly of calcium and phosphorus. Cilavegna celebrates its delicious vegetable with a festival held on the second Sunday of May.