Seeking and finding asparagus in Menorca

The asparagus is one of the most common vegetables in the Menorca Mediterranean landscape and is easy to find in the woods and margins from February to May. For city dwellers, it is an immature shoot of the asparagus plant, which has not yet come into ear to form a branch.

Plato de espárragos
Looking for asparagus is a good way for discovering the marvellous paradise of Menorca and coming home satisfied with the treasure obtained, which conceals a gastronomic prize. The asparagus grows in search of the sun. It is not easy to spot at first sight and that is why, when we have found an asparagus plant, we must look very closely to find something straight, coming from the soil, fresh and bright green. You can cut it directly with your hands and the recommendation is to cut it as long as possible. The trick is finding the easy part to cut almost at the end of the shoot, in the hardest part for the palate.

Espàrrecs
The asparagus has essential properties for maintaining the eyesight, strengthening the skin, hair and bones, avoiding premature ageing and helping avoid fatigue. It is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A and B, iron and is hyper-caloric. Additionally, its asparagine enzymes have diuretic properties.

Asparagus in Menorca
A good way of eating it is accompanying an omelette. First you take off the tails that we have not cut well on picking them. Then you should wash them a little, cut them and fry them for a short while with little oil until the perfume of the asparagus rises. If possible, it’s better to make an omelette with organic eggs from Menorca so that our asparagus omelette tastes like the food of the gods!