If you’re in
Munich this week you must try to enjoy the great German “royal
vegetable” spargel (white asparagus). It was once reserved for
only the upper classes, but is now enjoyed by everyone in Bavaria and
beyond.
While very popular from April until early June in
Germany, the vegetable is a rarity in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Asparagus is grown in many places, including Latin
America, but the best white asparagus—with its particular texture
and sweetness—is grown in Germany, where for centuries it has
heralded springtime.
Right now folks who venture outside their Munich hotels
will undoubtedly notice that Bavarian roadside stands, farmers’
markets, and grocery stores all carry ample supplies of the “royal
vegetable,” and many restaurants have special spargel menus that
feature asparagus as the star ingredient.
Some folks even opt to pickle the white asparagus
while it is in season, assuming that they can secure the asparagus in
pickling jars and keep other members of their households away from the
kitchen and the precious, limited-time treat.
So whilst we are eating the spargel morning, noon,
and night (yes, even as Americans we consider a plateful of white asparagus
the true “Breakfast of Champions,” especially when served
with a spoonful of cold hackfleisch in the morning), the best and most
correct way to order your “Royal Meal” is to pair the spargel
with boiled white potatoes, several rolls of Bauernschinken (German
prosciutto), and a small, hot beaker of hollandaise sauce to set everything
off.
A nice cold glass of pilsner or sparkling water and
you are as close to heaven as you can get during your trade fair workweek
in Munich.
The Hotel Neuwirt located in Zorneding, a small village
about 15 minutes by cab, is a great cozy place near the Munich event
site to enjoy this meal.
Sit inside or out in the garden and watch the world
go by, but be sure to reserve a table beforehand.
You might even be tempted to rise from your seat and
join in The Comedian Harmonists’ wonderful song of the season,
“Veronika”:
Veronika, spring has arrived,
The girls are singing tralala,
All the world is like bewitched,
Veronika, the asparagus is growing,
Oh my Veronika, the world is green,
So let's go wandering into the forests.
Even the grandfather says to the grandmother:
Veronika, spring has arrived. |
Geoffrey/Flossie
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