Washington State is amongst the top growers of asparagus in the United States, along with California and Michigan. Asparagus has been cultivated all over the world for over 2,500 years. Today, it is still widely grown and consumed in Asia, Europe, South American and North America.
Asparagus is a member of the Lily family, and it takes nearly 3 years after asparagus has been planted to reach maturity so that it can be harvested for the full season. Once reached maturity, an asparagus spear can grow 10" in a 24--hour period under ideal conditions. The outdoor temperature determines how much time will be between each picking. Early in the season, there may be 4--5 days between pickings and as the days and nights get warmer, a particular field may have to be picked every 24 hours.
Washington Harvest Asparagus Poster
Click to download the full-size PDF.
The poster is designed to be printed at either 11" x 17" or 2' x 3'.
Highlight Washington-grown asparagus served in your program with this beautiful poster! The poster provides nutrition facts under "THRIVE", agriculture information under "GROW", and tips for preparation, cooking, and fun facts, etc. under "TASTE".
Special thanks to Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Department of Agriculture for sharing their poster templates, from which many of the food facts were adapted, and to Sunnyside School District Nutrition Services for helping us update and add new facts for Washington State.
Flyers, handouts, and activities:
- Fresh from the Farm Asparagus brochure [PDF] with recipes, nutrition facts, and buying tips - from WSU SNAP-Ed
- Handout [PUB] for teachers, students, and staff when you showcase Washington grown asparagus - from WSDA Farm to School
- Student activity [PDF] Guess how fast asparagus can grow in one day? - from WSDA Farm to School
Images and signs:
- Asparagus Image for Harvest of the Month bulletin board - from Seattle Public Schools and Public Health King County
- Asparagus sign [PDF] for Harvest of the Month banner - from WSU Pierce County Extension SNAP-Ed
