Why is asparagus grown in China?

Why is asparagus grown in China?

Asparagus is time-intensive to harvest, which gives countries with low labor costs a distinct advantage. China’s Shanxi province has a surplus of cheap farm labor, Puette notes, and much of the fresh product is sold cheap to processors who then export to countries where they can undercut local prices.

When did asparagus come to China?

The asparagus industry in China began to develop in the late 1970’s and was at first 100% export-oriented.

What country produces the most asparagus?

China
In that year, China was the biggest producer of asparagus worldwide, producing approximately 8.3 million metric tons of asparagus….Global leading asparagus producing countries in 2019 (in metric tons)

Characteristic Production in metric tons
China, mainland 8,303,392
Peru 366,758
Mexico 272,202

Where does asparagus originally come from?

Asparagus Once Considered a Cure-all Asparagus is believed native to the eastern Mediterranean lands and Asia Minor. It commonly grows wild over much of that country today and also in the trans-Caucasus, Europe, and even in many places in the United States where it has escaped from cultivation.

Is asparagus grown in China?

Asparagus was introduced into China 100 years ago, and its cultivation has expanded rapidly over the last 20 years to the current area of 60,000 ha. Asparagus cultivation is divided into two regions by the Yangtze River, one to the north of the river, and the other to the south.

Is asparagus an American?

The origins of asparagus – Asparagus Officinalis Its history goes back as far as that of the leek and has been consumed for over 2000 years. This garden plant originated in the eastern Mediterranean countries and traces of wild varieties have been discovered in Africa.

Who first ate asparagus?

Greeks, Romans & Egyptians The ancient greeks ate wild aparagus for it tender shoots but it was the Romans who first started to cultivate asparagus more than 2000 years ago.

Where does the US get asparagus?

U.S. acreage is currently only about one-third of what it was 15 years ago due to increased imports from Central and South America. Essentially all of the U.S. commercial asparagus production occurs in Michigan, California, Washington and New Jersey. The national average yield in 2020 was around 3,875 pounds per acre.

Where is asparagus grown today?

Asparagus production in the United States is concentrated between three states: California, Michigan, and Washington. In 2020, Washington produced about 209 thousand centrum weight of asparagus, slightly less than Michigan’s production volume of 266 thousand centrum weight.

Which state grows the most asparagus?

Michigan
(WXYZ) — Here’s something you probably didn’t know: Michigan produces the most asparagus in the country. According to Agriculture Facts and Figures from the state government, Michigan produces up to 23 million pounds of the vegetable annually. Michigan growers harvest approximately 9,500 acres annually.

Who invented asparagus?

Its history goes back as far as that of the leek and has been consumed for over 2000 years. This garden plant originated in the eastern Mediterranean countries and traces of wild varieties have been discovered in Africa. Archaeologists believe that it was also cultivated in Egypt.

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