DEWITT, MI - My family puts asparagus in everything. Breakfast scrambles, sautées, you name it and asparagus is there. I know many consumers maintain this school of thought, and Michigan asparagus growers have the supplies to back them up. The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board (MAAB) announced the start of the season, promising thick, tender, and firm asparagus—all signs of a nutritious and flavorful harvest.

“Everyone has felt inflation’s impact on consumer buying behavior. Michigan asparagus provides value—a high quality, flavorful vegetable that consumers needn’t worry about going bad in the refrigerator before they have a chance to serve it to their families,” Jamie Clover Adams, Executive Director of MAAB, said.

Asparagus provides essential vitamins and minerals vital to a healthy daily calorie intake, a press release explained. The quality and attributes of Michigan-grown asparagus allow consumers to create restaurant-quality side dishes or mains in their own kitchens.

Consumers can look for “Michigan Grown” labels indicating locally grown United States products. There are more than 100 Michigan farm families committed to providing premium, sustainable asparagus to consumers.

“Michigan asparagus growers and fresh packers are committed to delivering a superior product to the market again this year,” said Sarah Greiner of Todd Greiner Farms and Chair of MAAB. “This Michigan asparagus season is positioned to meet our consumers’ expressed desire to purchase a local and more sustainable product.”

Consumers can rest assured that the industry has devoted its efforts to delivering a fresh and flavorful crop. Growers are aware that asparagus is a staple vegetable vital to grilling and barbecue festivities, and their efforts will drive sales and draw consumers to produce departments.

MAAB is gearing up to support sales for the 2023 season beginning this month. The grower-funded research and promotion agency is making a significant investment in in-store promotion to move volumes, as well as engaging with social media influencers and on-trend recipe creators. MAAB also plans to release a consumer-focused social and video campaign to drive consumption.

Michigan asparagus might be your ticket to increased department sales, so get moving!

Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board