Asparagus in Greek Cooking – Cook Asparagus like a Greek!

As spring arrives in Greece, I always look forward to the wild asparagus that pops up in certain spots across Ikaria. Many people don’t immediately associate asparagus with Greek cooking, but in fact, it grows wild all over Greece and has been cherished here since ancient times.

Theophrastus even wrote that asparagus was a delicacy of the gods, and foraging for wild spears is a beloved springtime tradition. Beyond the wild variety, asparagus is also an important cultivated crop-especially white asparagus, which makes up about 95% of Greek production and is mostly exported to markets like Germany and the Netherlands. Our main growing regions are in Macedonia and Thrace, and Greek white asparagus is prized for its delicate flavor and early harvest.

Nutritionally, asparagus is a powerhouse: rich in fiber, folate, and antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and K, it supports heart health, bone strength, and longevity. I love weaving it into Mediterranean dishes for both its taste and health benefits.