Packed with Flavour: Behind the Scenes at Boyd's Asparagus

Spring is here, and with it comes one of New Zealand's most anticipated seasonal vegetables - fresh asparagus. We visited Boyd's Asparagus to discover what goes into growing this spring favourite and why its fresh flavour and versatility make it a must-have on seasonal menus.

A Taste of Spring with Boyd's Asparagus

Freshly harvested asparagus from the team at Bidfood

For Andrew Keaney, Managing Director of Boyd's Asparagus, spring marks one of the busiest times of the year. As asparagus season gets underway, it's all about making the most of the short window when this much-loved vegetable is at its best.

At Bidfood, we're passionate about the people and processes behind the produce we supply. Our visit to Boyd's Asparagus gave us an opportunity to learn more about this seasonal crop, gain insight into the work behind each harvest and discover what makes fresh asparagus such a standout ingredient for chefs. With its vibrant green colour, delicate texture and distinctive flavour, asparagus is a true celebration of spring and a versatile addition to menus across New Zealand.

From the Paddock to the Plate

Andrew himself out in the field spearing fresh asparagus

Asparagus is a unique crop, requiring patience, care and an understanding of the growing season. Unlike many vegetables, asparagus is a perennial plant, meaning it returns year after year. Once established, the plants produce fresh spears during a relatively short seasonal harvest. When growing conditions are right, asparagus can grow remarkably quickly, making regular harvesting an important part of the process. For growers like Boyd's, asparagus season is a busy period, with plenty happening behind the scenes before the fresh spears make their way into kitchens. It's a reminder of the work that goes into producing quality fresh ingredients and why making the most of locally grown seasonal produce is so worthwhile.

Bringing Out the Best in Every Spear

The Boyds Bunches, freshly picked and packed the same day!

One of the biggest takeaways from our visit was just how versatile asparagus can be, and how different preparation methods can bring out different characteristics of this spring favourite. Andrew shared a simple tip when it comes to preparing asparagus: forget the common practice of snapping the ends off. Instead, trim a small amount from the bottom of each spear until you reach the fresh, moist section. This helps retain more of the vegetable and avoids unnecessary waste.

When it comes to cooking, the key is to keep things simple and avoid overcooking, which can compromise asparagus's naturally tender texture. Different cooking methods also offer different flavour experiences. Blanching helps highlight asparagus's fresh, delicate flavour, while roasting, grilling or barbecuing can bring out richer, nuttier notes. With quality asparagus, there's no need to overcomplicate things. Sometimes a little seasoning, a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil is all it takes to let the natural flavour shine.

Make the Most of the Season

Part of what makes asparagus so special is its seasonality. Unlike produce that's available year-round, fresh New Zealand asparagus has a limited growing season, making it an ingredient worth celebrating while it's here. With spring in full swing, now is the perfect opportunity to showcase this seasonal favourite, experiment with different cooking methods and bring fresh inspiration to your menu. Whether it's a simple seasonal side, a vibrant spring salad or the star of a signature dish, Boyd's Asparagus offers plenty of ways to bring fresh flavour to the plate.

Make the most of asparagus season while it's at its best. Shop fresh New Zealand asparagus through Bidfood and bring the flavours of spring to your menu.