Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Seeking to establish fresh asparagus buyers - restaurants, churches, business, street vendors

Asparagus is season is very short. It will begin about 1st week in May and end second week of June. After that if they don't freeze it, folks will have to go back to what ever is in stores.

Fundraising with Michigan Asparagus Why sell Michigan Asparagus? Michigan asparagus consumed boiled, broiled, fried, grilled or juiced within days of harvest is a delicious springtime treat. Michigan asparagus tastes pleasant in contrast to sour tasting imported asparagus common in Chicago stores. Low transport cost enable fundraising organizations buying bulk to profitably sell great tasting fresh asparagus at prices less than Chicago supermarket chains. Why will Chicago buy Michigan asparagus? Taste! (even raw!) Fresh Michigan asparagus is enjoyable and healthy too! Successful asparagus fundraising models? Pre-order sales, event sales, open market, street vending, and youth group projects. What is the wholesale (200 lbs+) asparagus price? Price is TBD and will vary weekly. Expectation is $2.00 - 2.50/lbs When is the asparagus growing season? In Michigan, asparagus is harvested for a 6 - 7 week period from late April or early May through mid to late June. Winter 2015 harvest impact is TBD. What are the nutritional benefits of asparagus? A 5.3 ounce serving (approximately 5 spears) has only 20 calories, 0 fat or cholesterol, 5 milligrams of sodium, 400 milligrams of potassium, 3 grams of fiber, 60% of the USRDA of folacin, and are excellent sources of thiamin and vitamin B6.* How should asparagus be stored? Keep fresh asparagus clean, cold and covered. Trim the stem ends about 1/4 inch and wash in warm water several times. Pat dry and place in moisture-proof wrapping. Refrigerate and use within 2 or 3 days for best quality. To maintain freshness, wrap a moist paper towel around the stem ends, or stand upright in two inches of cold water.* * Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board todd@freshmichiganproduce.com