Asparagus grown in Nanae, Hokkaido, is a delicious local specialty cultivated in one of southern Hokkaido’s agriculturally rich areas. Nanae and the surrounding Hakodate region have relatively mild conditions throughout the year, making them well suited to growing fresh vegetables.
In Nanae, asparagus is cultivated inside plastic greenhouses, where growers can carefully manage the growing environment. Varieties such as Green Tower and Vaitoru are particularly suited to the local conditions. These varieties are known for their resistance to cold temperatures and for producing spears whose tips are less likely to open.
Growing these asparagus plants requires patience. It takes approximately three years before they are ready for harvesting. During the colder winter months, the plants enter a dormant state and survive the winter underground.
This period of dormancy is considered an important part of producing flavorful asparagus. Allowing the plants to experience an appropriate period of cold weather is said to improve their flavor, meaning that the cool temperatures of Nanae are actually an advantage for cultivation.
Nanae’s climate provides the moderate cold needed for asparagus to rest during winter while offering suitable conditions for growth during the warmer seasons. This natural environment has helped asparagus cultivation become firmly established in Nanae.
For travelers exploring the Hakodate area in spring and early summer, Nanae asparagus is a chance to discover one of southern Hokkaido’s lesser-known agricultural specialties and enjoy the fresh flavors created by the region’s climate.
April, May, June, and July