From “TRAVEL TIPS from SeeCalifornia.com” comes this Festival Feature in Fresno, April 15-17:
San Joaquin County grows the most asparagus of any place in the U.S.
Top 3 California Asparagus Counties:
San Joaquin 42.2% | Fresno 28.6% | Monterey 27.4%
Asparagus is planted in the ground three years before it can be harvested for the full season; the plant grows for 15 to 20 years. Short growing season February – June Watch it grow! Can grow 7″ in a day when the temperatures reach 90 degrees. #66 California farm commodity
Fried Asparagus with Dipping Sauce
Breaded asparagus is fried in coconut oil then served with a healthy chili ranch dipping sauce.
12 asparagus spears
1/4 cup whole wheat flour, seasoned
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups fresh bread crumbs, seasoned use half panko crumbs, if desired
1/2 cup coconut oil for frying, or as needed
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
¼-½ cup almond milk
2-4 T mayonnaise
1 4-oz can chopped green chili peppers
dashes hot pepper sauce (such as Siracha), or to taste
2 T Seasoning Mix (2-4 tsp. EACH onion flakes, parsley leaves, basil, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper)
Dampen asparagus lightly with water. Coat with flour; trying to avoid coating the tips. Dip asparagus in beaten egg. Roll and coat asparagus in a layer of breadcrumbs. Place coated asparagus on a plate and refrigerate, allowing coating to stick, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir mayonnaise, milk, yogurt, green chilies, seasoning mix and hot pepper sauce together in a small bowl for dipping sauce. Heat coconut oil in a fry pan over medium heat. Fry coated asparagus in the hot oil until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Serve immediately with dipping sauce.
Betty is a California-based writer whose work explores local history, travel, food, and the people who shape community life. Her storytelling is rooted in curiosity, culture, and real-world experience.