Germany's favorite Spargel is the Weiss Spargel. It is grown in a special way by mounding up the soil around the shoots when the sprout so that they the sun won't turn them green. They are very mild in flavor.

They are now available in some parts of the United States but I hear that they are not as good as those grown in Germany. In fact Alton Brown on the Food Network, didn't even cover them in his Asparagus episode because he feels they are not worth it.

To the left is a lady that is picking Weiss Asparagus. ( White Asparagus).

Karen Kinanne goes to Germany every Spring and always tells me about the stands along the road selling beautiful white Spargels (asparagus) . Big Thick Tender Long stalks. During this season restaurants serve a platter full for a whole meal, with different sauces and accompaniments.

Karen says " I had dinner with a woman about 70 years old,who as a young woman had worked as an  asparagus  cutter to  earn money when there was no work or ways to get extra cash, under the Soviets. 

She talked about how hard the work was because she  had to be stooped over the whole time, moving from plant to plant,
and careful not to tread on any developing stalks.  about.com

Wooden Spargel Huts Shoot up all over Germany ,but particularly in the regions that raise it so it can be cut fresh and taken to market that day.

They often sell strawberries as well. On the Feast of John the Baptist they will be gone. Then it will be time for cherries and other summer fruit.

During the long winter months all over Germany the taste of fresh Asparagus will be dreamed of and then greatly anticipated when Spring is on the horizon.