[Direct from Aizu, Fukushima] Sweet and Tender Seasonal "Asparagus" Now on Sale. Rare White Asparagus Also Available

Fukushima Ichiba, one of the largest online stores for Fukushima Prefecture products, handling about 850 items from 300 local businesses and operated by SpaceOne Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture; President: Yasuhiro Kobayashi), has started selling "Aizu Kitakata Asparagus," a seasonal delicacy grown in Kitakata City in the Aizu region of Fukushima. Starting this year, they are also selling the rare "Aizu Kitakata White Asparagus," which is hardly available in the general market, as a new product.

■ Characteristics of "Aizu Asparagus," a Representative Aizu Vegetable
- Thick, satisfying size unique to spring buds
- Rich flavor combining sweetness and tenderness
- Juicy and crisp texture
- High freshness only possible with morning harvesting

The Aizu region is blessed with a climate that has a large temperature difference between day and night, as well as rich water resources. It is known as the largest asparagus production area in Fukushima Prefecture, accounting for about 90% of the prefecture's production.
Asparagus grown under these natural conditions is characterized by its sweet, juicy, and tender texture.
Among them, the "spring buds" harvested from April to May are the most popular, as they are the thickest and sweetest during this peak season throughout the year.

Aizu Kitakata Asparagus
Asparagus, a local specialty grown in Kitakata City, a premier brand area for asparagus production, boasts exceptional sweetness and tenderness.

■ Price (Tax and shipping included)
L 1kg: 6,290 JPY / 2L 1kg: 6,580 JPY / 3L 1kg: 7,300 JPY
Fukushima Ichiba: https://fukushima-ichiba.com/products/n294a34

[Rare] Aizu Kitakata White Asparagus
White asparagus is characterized by being softer and sweeter than green asparagus.
Furthermore, it is highly delicate and labor-intensive to cultivate. Because most of it is shipped for restaurants or processing, it is a rare ingredient that rarely circulates in the general market.

■ Price (Tax and shipping included)
L 1kg: 6,430 JPY / 2L 1kg: 6,720 JPY / 3L 1kg: 7,440 JPY
Fukushima Ichiba: https://fukushima-ichiba.com/products/n294a39

* As of April 15, Fukushima Ichiba is handling two asparagus products among Aizu vegetables, but new products are scheduled to arrive in the future.

■ The Charm of "Aizu Vegetables" Nurtured by Rich Nature

Rich-flavored vegetables nurtured by the day and night temperature difference
The Aizu region is known as an area suitable for vegetable cultivation due to its basin topography surrounded by mountains, which causes a significant temperature difference between day and night. By slowly storing the nutrients accumulated during the day over the night, they grow into sweet, rich-flavored vegetables.

Juiciness born from snowmelt water and fertile soil
Aizu is a region blessed with fertile soil and abundant water resources, including snowmelt flowing from the mountains. This blessed natural environment nurtures vegetables with a juicy and tender texture.

Fresh morning harvest supported by cool morning and evening climates
Aizu vegetables are harvested during the cool morning hours, allowing them to be shipped while retaining their juiciness.
Asparagus, in particular, is harvested in the morning when it is full of nutrients stored overnight, so you can enjoy a rich flavor condensed with sweetness, umami, and nutrients.

■ Recommended Recipe to Enjoy Aizu Vegetables
Fresh Aizu asparagus has a strong natural sweetness. While it is delicious just boiled, heating it brings out the sweetness even more, allowing you to enjoy it in various dishes.

A simple feast that brings out the natural sweetness
Sautéed White Asparagus with Butter (Serves 2)

Ingredients
- White asparagus ... 4 to 6 spears
- Butter ... 10g
- Salt ... A pinch
- Black pepper ... A little
- Lemon (if available) ... A little
- Parsley (minced) ... To taste

Instructions
Cut off 2-3 cm from the base and peel the bottom 1/3 thickly with a peeler.
Boil water in a pot and add a pinch of salt. Put the white asparagus in starting from the base, and then boil the whole thing with a time delay. Heat over medium-low heat for 5 to 8 minutes, and when a bamboo skewer goes through smoothly, take it out and drain lightly.
Heat butter in a frying pan over medium heat, and lightly brown the asparagus while rolling it.
Finally, adjust the taste with salt and pepper, scatter minced parsley, and squeeze lemon to your liking to finish.