Sables des Landes asparagus is one of the great specialities of the Landes region. To this day, it's the number one spring vegetable, and early-ripening specimens are found on the market stalls from March onwards.
This dazzling white vegetable with a nice straight stem is cultivated underground in the geographical area of the Gascony Landes. It can be eaten for lunch or dinner, as a main course or simply as a starter. Its fresh flavour and tender texture means it goes very well with a mayonnaise or homemade vinaigrette when eaten cold, or with a nice cream sauce when served warm.
Low in calories, a diuretic and full of oligo-elements and vitamin B9, the Sables des Landes asparagus has many health and well-being benefits. It's full of fibre and is also good for the digestive process.
Grown since the second half of the 18th century, the Sables des Landes asparagus has now been awarded PGI status. An Asparagus festival takes place on 1 May every year in Pontonx-sur-l'Adour, to celebrate this much-loved vegetable.