How's it Growin'? Boyds Asparagus, Waikato

_{"HOW'S IT GROWIN?" WITH BOYD'S ASPARAGUS}

With the weather warming and a seasonal turnover of crops upon us, we got itchy feet to catch up with some of our grower partners from around the country and see, well… ‘How’s it Growin?’

In our newest series, we're shining the 'crop' light on the New Zealand growers behind Aotearoa's favourite fruit and veg, that you'll also find in your Wonky Box deliveries this time of year.

To kick things off, we sent our Wonky Box Co-Founder, Angus, down to the mighty Waikato to say hello (or shall we say, "How's it Growin?") to our asparagus partner Andrew Keaney at Boyds Asparagus. 

Hear from the asparagus aficionado himself:

Boyds has been filling Upper North Island Wonky Boxes with the Waikato’s finest wonky asparagus since 2021. Over the years, this partnership has saved nearly 50 tonnes of funky looking, but perfectly fresh and delicious asparagus from being fed to cows or ending up as waste. Your orders have instead made sure these spectacular spears get the love they deserve, and end up in more kiwi kitchens over spring.

What did we learn on this (literal) field trip?

• The Boyds team harvest 800-900kgs of asparagus each hour! Their asparagus are picked, packed and sent out on the same day. They’re then on their way to your door in Wonky Box within the next 24 hours. If that ain't fresh, we don't know what is.
• Asparagus grows around 7cm per day - you’ll notice its progress if you're watching over a couple of hours!
• Asparagus is a uniquely versatile veg - it can be enjoyed steamed, roasted, or on the BBQ. Andrew reckons serve it up with some butter, lemon and maybe even parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. 

With asparagus season lasting only about 100 days, the time is most certainly 'ripe' to make the most of these green spears of goodness. Dig in Wonkers!