For the time being, Beelitz asparagus is only available in farm shops and street sales Photo: Martin Schutt/dpa
By Michael Sauerbier
Huge disappointment for the many fans of the white gold: At Easter this year, there are still no Beelitzer asparagus in discounters and supermarkets. Because not enough is growing on Brandenburg’s fields.
“The cold is to blame,” says Jürgen Jakobs, head of the Beelitz asparagus association. “We are currently harvesting only half as many stalks as a year ago. We therefore have to reject the requests from the supermarkets.”
Winter has been back in the region for a week – with daily night frosts. The protective plastic tarpaulins over the asparagus dams don’t help either. But a change in the weather is predicted for Sunday: No more frost, maximum temperatures of up to 15 degrees.
Asparagus farmer Jürgen Jakobs (58): “After Easter, the asparagus comes to the supermarkets – for 8 to 16 euros per kilo” Photo: dpa
“After Easter, Beelitz asparagus will also be available in supermarkets,” promises farmer Jakobs. There are currently only the poles from Greece and Italy to have. From 7 euros per kilogram, for fairly thin specimens. The first Beelitz asparagus is much more expensive.
Jakobs: “Depending on the quality, the prices range from 8 to 16 euros, just like last year.”
If you don’t want to do without the regional precious vegetables at Easter, you don’t have to despair. The Brandenburg specialty is already available in the farm shops around Beelitz and at the street stalls. Also on the holidays.