What Is White Asparagus? Learn All About This Seasonal Delicacy

Blink, and you might miss it. One of the year’s most exclusive delicacies is making a brief but glorious appearance in Bangkok, and Brasserie 9 is where the celebration begins. Known for our refined brasserie-style French fare and classic charm, Brasserie 9 has long been a favourite among food lovers in the city. This season, the spotlight is firmly on a vegetable that’s more VIP than a side dish: white asparagus.

Elegant, rare, and coveted by top chefs worldwide, white asparagus, often referred to as “white gold” for its rarity, demands attention and respect. And now, for a limited time only, Brasserie 9 is treating Bangkok diners to this spring treasure, flown in fresh from the South of France. This is white asparagus season, and it’s as fleeting as it is fabulous.

What is White Asparagus Season?

Let’s start at the root. What is white asparagus? And what is the difference between white and green asparagus? It’s the paler cousin of the green asparagus you might be more familiar with. But don’t be fooled by the colour. White asparagus isn’t a different species; it’s simply grown in a different way. While green asparagus grows above ground and soaks up the sun, white asparagus is carefully cultivated underground, shielded from light. This process stops photosynthesis from happening, which keeps the spears white and changes their texture and taste entirely.

Does white asparagus taste like green asparagus? Not exactly. It’s more delicate, slightly sweeter, and has a smooth, buttery texture that green asparagus just can’t match. The taste is subtler, with a refined edge that makes it a perfect canvas for creamy sauces, truffle shavings, or even a splash of citrus. It’s no wonder chefs get so excited about it every year.

Now, here’s the catch. White asparagus season is incredibly short. It usually begins around mid-April and wraps up by early June, depending on the weather and harvest conditions. That’s only a few weeks to enjoy this prized vegetable before it disappears again until next spring. And trust us, foodies all over Europe mark their calendars for it.

Why is White Asparagus So Rare?

There’s a reason white asparagus is considered a delicacy: it’s not exactly easy to grow. Each spear is nurtured under mounds of soil, requiring manual labour to cover them with dirt daily as they grow. This delicate cultivation method makes it far more labour-intensive than its green counterpart. The result is a vegetable that feels more like a limited-edition item than a pantry staple.

Most high-quality white asparagus comes from countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands, where it’s a seasonal event in itself. These regions take their asparagus seriously, and entire festivals are dedicated to it. Importing such a delicate ingredient into Thailand is no small feat, which makes it all the more special when it shows up on a menu in Bangkok.

And that’s exactly what makes Brasserie 9’s white asparagus offering so unique. Our restaurant is one of the few places in Thailand where you can experience white asparagus at its best – fresh, seasonal, and expertly prepared.

A Limited Time Experience At Brasserie 9

This year, Brasserie 9 is serving White Asparagus “La Délicate,” and it’s as fantastic as it sounds. Tender white asparagus spears are served with a Maltaise Sauce (a citrusy twist on hollandaise), orange powder, asparagus foam, and a touch of black truffle to bring it all together. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just feed your appetite but makes a grand entrance and leaves an impression.

But fair warning for our patrons: It’s available for a limited time only, and once the season ends, it’s gone. So, if you’ve been curious about trying some of the best white asparagus dishes, now’s your chance to try one of the finest in town.

Don’t Miss Out – Reserve Your Table Today

Here’s your friendly nudge: if you’re curious about the best white asparagus dishes this side of Europe, Brasserie 9 is where you need to be. This seasonal star won’t be sticking around for long, and trust us, you don’t want to be the one reading about it after it’s gone.

So, go ahead and treat yourself to a bit of rare spring luxury. Grab a seat, sip something French, and savour this limited-time wonder at our French bistro in Bangkok before it vanishes until next year.

Reserve your table now at Brasserie 9 and enjoy white asparagus season at its finest.