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Asparagus loves Silvaner wine – Every year, there are four weeks I look forward to with great anticipation! Asparagus season! And fittingly, there's the annual "Asparagus Loves Silvaner" campaign, initiated by Culinarium Bavaricum. As part of this initiative, over 80 restaurants and bars are offering characterful Silvaner wines from Franconia paired with delicious asparagus until the end of May.

Enjoy asparagus and Silvaner wine in Munich

I love asparagus and I'm a big fan of Silvaner! If this Bavarian delicacy is also on your menu, but you're not quite sure which Silvaner pairs well with it or which asparagus to choose, then it's best to check out one of the many Munich wine merchants Stop by and get some advice. As part of the "Asparagus Loves Silvaner" campaign, some of these establishments are offering exciting Silvaner tastings, and of course, you can ask anything you'd like. If you'd rather just sit down, simply visit one of over 80 locations in the city offering the wonderful "asparagus and Silvaner" combination. For example, at... Principal, into the Star Restaurant Showroom, into the Restaurant Alter Hof, into the Broeding or into Inn at Bavaria Park – to name just a few of my favorite hotspots for fine asparagus, good Silvaner wines and plenty of local know-how.

Asparagus knowledge and asparagus purchase – what to look out for?

Do you lack the necessary knowledge to reliably choose the right asparagus? No problem, because when it comes to preparing it yourself, I can help. Here's some basic information about asparagus: As most people probably know, one of the best asparagus varieties, with its high quality promise, comes from the traditional growing region of Schrobenhausen, located about an hour's drive north of Munich. Freshness is absolutely crucial for perfect asparagus, so it should ideally be available at farmers' markets and supermarkets as soon as it's harvested (as is the case in Schrobenhausen).

When choosing asparagus, look for a tightly closed head, firm and shiny stalks, and a moist cut end with a fresh scent (recognizable by pressure). If the asparagus squeaks when rubbed together, it's fresh – just like us humans. 😉 Also interesting: If you have Schrobenhausen asparagus in front of you, you can assume that considerable attention has been paid to what goes to market. For example, a maximum length is prescribed, meaning white asparagus can be no longer than 22 cm and green asparagus no longer than 27 cm. This is for good reason, as it ensures significantly fewer woody stalks and a harmonious balance between the head and the stalk. So, longer isn't always better in this case.

What is green, white, or purple and comes out of the ground?

That's right! Asparagus! If you prefer a more intense flavor, go for the purple variety. With this type, the head is pink to purple, and the stalk should ideally have some white tinge. Be sure to peel it before eating. The classic white asparagus, also known as blanched asparagus, owes its color to the careful mounding of soil by the asparagus farmer. This prevents light from reaching the vegetable, allowing it to be harvested by hand while still white. My favorite is green asparagus, and I'm certainly contributing to its status as the most consumed type of asparagus worldwide. It's definitely gaining in popularity every year because it only needs to be peeled at the bottom. It gets its color from emerging from the soil and being exposed to light – valuable nutrients and a robust flavor are absorbed into the asparagus.

I want to know more about Silvaner…

Asparagus is so versatile that there's no single "perfect Silvaner" that goes with everything. A light Silvaner sparkling wine might be a good match for a fruity, fresh asparagus salad, while a young, mineral Silvaner would be more suitable for richer asparagus dishes and menus. Ultimately, the specific asparagus recipe and dish will determine which wine best complements your food and, of course, your personal taste. The popular Silvaner itself has long since developed its own distinct character thanks to Franconian winemakers. If you'd like to learn more about the "Asparagus Loves Silvaner" campaign, you should visit [website address - please insert here]. Website Take a look around. Then get back to the stove and submit your recipe for the competition… 😉

Spargel kaufen München Spargel liebt Silvaner

Asparagus loves Silvaner

Competition

So, now you know so much about asparagus and where to find the perfect glass of Silvaner to go with it, now it's your turn. Anyone who loves asparagus and Silvaner (and can cook) will be delighted by the following competition. To win one of two wine tours and a cooking session with Michelin-starred chef Dominik Käppeler (at the Showroom restaurant), you can enter your Submit asparagus recipe. Cool, right? With the help of the friendly Michelin-starred chef, you'll then cook your winning recipe for the jury, on which I also happen to be ;-). So, if you've always wanted to show off your skills, come to Franconia, and cook for me, you should definitely participate before May 20, 2017.

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