Around 20 years ago, asparagus cultivation began here, and the cultivation area has now reached around 3 hectares. The harvest in Kastelbell takes place from mid-April to June. The majority of the harvest goes to local gastronomy, so that the asparagus here really comes to the table as fresh as possible. Freshness is a crucial criterion for the quality of asparagus; hardly any other plant is as sensitive when it comes to storage and transport. Asparagus quickly loses its unique taste and becomes stale and woody. Short transport routes are therefore essential, as freshly harvested asparagus should ideally still reach the market and the kitchen on the same day. Ideally, it comes almost directly from the field to the plate. Only in this way does it develop its incomparable taste, and only in this way do its flavors come fully to the fore.
In addition, the costs of asparagus production are high. Harvesting in particular is very labor-intensive, and the cutting, washing, sorting, and packaging is delicate and allows only limited use of machinery. Due to the constantly increasing demand and lower production costs, more and more asparagus is now being imported from Southern Europe, but also from exotic countries such as Peru. However, the long transport routes have a very negative impact on the quality of this asparagus; it tastes bland and sometimes almost rotten, as anyone can easily determine for themselves. No comparison to fresh South Tyrolean asparagus.
So, during your holiday in Kastelbell-Tschars, enjoy not only the fantastically beautiful landscape and the many art historical treasures, but also discover the culinary highlights of the region! During the Kastelbell Asparagus Season, which takes place annually from mid-April to the end of May, you have the opportunity to enjoy asparagus in its highest perfection. Most innkeepers, restaurants, wine and asparagus farmers in and around Kastelbell participate in this culinary highlight. The chefs conjure up familiar and innovative dishes with great creativity from the delicious green or white delicacy. In Kastelbell, the preferred wine to accompany asparagus is the local Pinot Blanc.