The factors of proximity and of the highest quality as far as food is concerned. In the end, what is more natural than cultivation or production that respects the raw material from the time it is sown until it is collected and traded? It is under this pretext that the Andalusia Excellent Food Award 2021 has been awarded to the Regulatory Council of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Asparagus Huétor Tájar. Has been Ignacio Escobar placeholder image, its president, who has collected the award. He took the opportunity, according to Origen magazine, to thank "the support of these awards for quality products." It is one of the star products of Granada agriculture and it is not surprising: its qualities make it a unique asparagus that perfectly represents the excellence and millenary agricultural tradition of Granada.
What makes Huétor Tájar asparagus special?
The truth is that the origin of Wheat asparagus it is thousands of years old. It arrived in Spain back in the 30th century, its consumption becoming common in areas such as Granada. For some centuries its cultivation disappeared, but already in the XNUMXs of the XNUMXth century the product is recovered by a series of farmers from Huétor Tájar, small municipality of Grenade-. The initial intention was to grow asparagus for own consumption, but over the years the commercialization spread throughout the country.
It is from the 90s that the asparagus Huétor Tájar begins to gain unprecedented popularity. In 1996 the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries recognized the product -approving the Specific Designation and the Regulation of the Regulatory Council-. And in the year 2000, finally, it is classified as a Protected Geographical Indication by the European Commission.
What differentiates this asparagus from others? At first glance, the color: in shades greens, purples and bronzes darker. Further, it also differs in shape: it is slimmer and straighter than others. Of course, on the palate and on the nose they also have a lot to say; texture tender, firm and meaty, have a delicate sweet-sour taste accompanied by an intense aroma.
Highest quality guaranteed
Showing off the Protected Geographical Indication, which guarantees the quality and origin of the product, this asparagus is meticulously selected by farmers "mainly valuing the color, flavor, texture and length of spike of the shoot since 1930", as confirmed from the entity. The entire process is cared for, as they arrive "in less than 24 hours from harvest to market, thus guaranteeing maximum freshness and quality".
Nutritional and gastronomic value
Green asparagus has a multitude of health benefits. It is an antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory, among others. In addition, it protects the cardiovascular system, helps reduce cholesterol and contains vitamins and fiber that help maintain the immune system.
And in the same way that it has a high positive dietary value, it also has it in the field culinario. It is certainly an ingredient Very versatile that fits in a multitude of elaborations in a multitude of different formats. As an accompaniment to meat or fish dishes or as an aperitif or in the form of a canapé. And even alone -Just with a little olive oil, or with more elaborate dressings-. Be that as it may, the asparagus Huétor Tájar It gives rise to the imagination in the kitchen.
Even dishes that might surprise you. From the product page they propose number of recipes that have asparagus as an ingredient. Since wild wheat fritters and fresh cheese or fresh pasta with steamed asparagus tips, to asparagus maki sushi "to taste".
Not in vain is the asparagus Huétor Tájar un symbol of agriculture and gastronomy grenadines for years. “Our asparagus is the result of tradition and excellence. In addition to its flavor, its natural character and high nutritional value make it a highly recommended food for people of all ages ”, said the aforementioned Ignacio Escobar when he received the Andalucía Excellent 2021 award. come together, the result is foods like this internationally recognized.
