One of the best ways to get a taste for asparagus’ appeal is to visit the town of Schrobenhausen—the heart of Bavarian asparagus production. No import can compete with the incredible taste of asparagus there, where sandy soil facilitates the vegetable’s growth. The town is located about 70 km north of Munich on the A9. Take the exit for Pfaffenhofen, and follow “Spargel” signs to farms offering the delicacy fresh from the fields (at € 7.50 to € 9 per kilogram). A European Asparagus Musuem showcases botanical
information, historical documents, cookbooks, and art related to asparagus. Dutch still lifes hang next to old farm tools and bronze stalk sculptures in this tower of the historic city walls. (Entry costs € 2. In April, the museum is open Wednesdays and weekends, 2 pm to 4 pm; during May and June, weekends 2 pm to 5 pm; and July to September from 2 pm to 4 pm.) May 5 will be a particularly great day to sample local wares when Schrobenhausen (birthplace of painter Franz von Lenbach) will host an asparagus market. To encourage tourists to visit the town then and throughout asparagus season, Schrobenhausen’s Tourist Office is offering several special package deals this spring. Most including a multi-course meal featuring their local asparagus recipes. Spa or asparagus farm visits and asparagus cooking lessons are other attractions included in the packages, which range from € 48 to € 145 for one to three nights’ lodging. For more information, visit www.schrobenhausen.de.
