Asparagus Trend: Sweet x Juicy! Grand Gold Winner Has "Melon-like Sweetness", Judged by Michelin-listed Chef: "Tabechoku National Asparagus Grand Prix 2026" Results Announced

The direct-from-farm e-commerce site 'Tabechoku', operated by Vivid Garden Inc. (Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Rina Akimoto), held the 'Tabechoku National Asparagus Grand Prix 2026' on Sunday, April 12, and Monday, April 13, 2026, at 'LA BONNE TABLE' in Ebisu, Tokyo. 34 entries (32 in the green category, 2 in the white category) from 32 producers across 16 prefectures nationwide were submitted. The judging was handled by Kazunari Nakamura, owner-chef of LA BONNE TABLE. This was Tabechoku's first chef-proposed exhibition, incorporating a professional chef's perspective of 'whether they would actually want to use it' in addition to quality evaluations such as sweetness, texture, and aroma. The judging focused on spring harvest 2L size (approx. 31g-50g) asparagus. In addition to the satisfying bite unique to extra-thick spears, the clear impression of being 'sweet and juicy' was highly evaluated. At the same time, the balance with the unique flavor and earthiness of asparagus was also emphasized, rewarding 'comprehensive deliciousness' rather than just straightforward sweetness. Asparagus can be eaten in various ways, and its aroma and flavor profiles vary. Among them, this time, while emphasizing the first-impact feeling of 'delicious in one bite', those with a harmonious blend of sweetness, juiciness, and characteristic asparagus flavor were selected. Click here for the winning asparagus: https://www.tabechoku.com/feature_articles/asparagus-grandprix2026 While production areas face a shortage of successors and soaring material costs, technological innovations such as automatic harvesting robots, AI irrigation control, and the new disease-resistant variety 'Asutama J' are changing the production landscape. On the other hand, while consumer expectations for asparagus are rising, its aspect as a 'premium vegetable' is strengthening due to soaring prices, leading to a stricter tendency to scrutinize quality aspects like freshness, sweetness, and thickness. Amidst these changes in both production and consumption, there is a demand for a system that correctly evaluates the producers' dedication and indicates standards that consumers can confidently choose. Therefore, we welcomed Chef Kazunari Nakamura, a professional in food assessment and cooking, as a judge, and decided to hold the 'Asparagus Grand Prix' to evaluate the 'experiential value of deliciousness' from multiple angles, going beyond just sweetness and texture. This Grand Prix aims to visualize the deliciousness of asparagus from various production areas and varieties, shine a light on producers who are not yet known nationwide, and lead to branding and sales channel expansion. At the 'Apple Grand Prix' held in November 2025, some producers recorded over 20 times their previous year's sales in the month following their award. We will continue this initiative as an effort directly linked to practical benefits, not just a mere commendation. Overview of "Tabechoku Asparagus Grand Prix 2026" Execution Date: Sunday, April 12, and Monday, April 13, 2026 Results Announcement Date: Monday, April 13, 2026 Venue: LA BONNE TABLE (Ebisu) Judging Process: Receiving about 40 asparagus entries from all over the country, Chef Kazunari Nakamura of 'LA BONNE TABLE', a professional in food assessment and cooking, judged them centering on 'deliciousness' such as taste, texture, and aroma. Judging Method In the second 'Tabechoku Asparagus Grand Prix 2026' held this year, 34 entries gathered from producers nationwide. After a strict preliminary screening, only the top 17 advanced to the final round for the ultimate judging. The final judging was handled by Chef Nakamura of LA BONNE TABLE, who has deep knowledge of asparagus. He carefully visualized the producers' dedication by evaluating from multifaceted perspectives such as 'sweetness', 'texture', and 'aroma'. About Taste Judging - Sweetness - Texture (Juiciness, etc.) - Aroma List of Results Award Name | Winning Producer / Variety Name Grand Gold Award | Fujii Farm (Hiroshima Prefecture) / Welcome Gold Award | Shimanezumi Farm (Hokkaido) / Gainrim (HLA-7) Silver Award | Takae Asparagus Farm (Tochigi Prefecture) / Welcome Bronze Award | MORI FARM (Tochigi Prefecture) / Welcome