How to Forage and Harvest Wild Asparagus

Want to enjoy fresh, wild asparagus this spring without spending a dime? You just need to know where to look and how to harvest this nutritious vegetable. Read on to learn how to forage for asparagus in early spring.

Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases without any increase in price to you.

Fresh asparagus is so good—it’s one of natures most delicious wild (free!) edibles—and even better when its free. In late spring in northwest Indiana, I go out and spend time foraging wild asparagus.

When to Look

It generally comes up in late April to early May, depending on how warm the spring has been. Sometimes its difficult to spot asparagus because it can blend in with tall grass, so by the time it’s recognized, its too late to harvest.

How to Find

To combat that problem for those who have never hunted wild asparagus, I recommend looking (in the fall) for mature plants that have gone to seed.

Identifying Mature Plants

You can find pictures of mature asparagus that has gone to seed on the internet or in a plant book. It becomes fairly tall (averaging three feet), almost “fernlike”, and gets a bushy top. As it ages, it goes from green to yellowish or brown.

The seeds look similar to dill seed in the beginning, and develop into a round green pod. They look like a pea, and can even turn an orange color.

The “Telephone Line Theory” and Other Locations

I’ve noticed that asparagus tends to follow telephone lines, fence posts, and fencing. My theory is that birds ingest the seed, sit on the telephone poles and old fencing, and well…just poop it out. The following spring, that’s where its going to grow. If you can spot those plants and remember where they are, then you know where to forage in the spring.

Spotting Young Shoots in Spring

Once spring is here, I look for the old plant. By this time, its a beige to off-white scrubby looking piece of brush. However, almost all the weeds look that way, too. I think old asparagus seems to be more like a reed at the base, and to fold over instead of breaking off at the bottom.

I sometimes put a marker of some sort for me to recognize a particular spot. This marker won’t mean anything to someone else, but it will to me. I don’t use anything that would cause someone to notice, so it could be a big rock or a nail head sticking out of an old fence post. Use your imagination.

How to Harvest

When wild asparagus first comes up, it will be within a foot or so of the original plant. I gently turn over old grass and brush, and look underneath for the new growth. Many times, it looks purple or mostly purple with a little green. As it grows taller, it looks all green. Its tall, slender, and has triangular patches along its stalk. It gets pointy at the top, and has a head of seeds.

I pick it when it is around 6 inches or so. This stuff grows FAST. When the county trucks come around and mow along the edges of the roads, the asparagus grows faster than the grass, so it really stands out shortly after mowing. In fact, the more you cut it down, the more it wants to grow!

Harvesting Mature Plants with Branching

As it matures, it develops “branching”. It still can be harvested, but it starts getting tougher toward the bottom. I take only the more tender upper part, or cut away the tougher portion at home. Once it looks like a tree, I just let it go to seed.

I have taken home with me branches with seed that are ready to drop to “seed” my own property. If you don’t want to do this, many farm stores and garden centers sell asparagus root to plant in your garden. The drawback is that it takes about three years to get the asparagus big enough in diameter to harvest. I’ve also had my husband rototill right over the roots and kill them.

Tips for Locating and Harvesting Wild Asparagus

Scout in the Fall: Locate mature asparagus plants in the fall when they are easily identifiable to know where to look in the spring. Mark these locations discreetly.
Harvest Regularly: Asparagus grows quickly, especially after rain or mowing. Visit your foraging spots frequently during the season.
Leave Some Behind: Don’t harvest all the spears from a single plant. Leave some to mature and go to seed, ensuring future growth.
Use Sharp Tools: Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the spears cleanly near the base to avoid damaging the crown.
Consider Time of Day: Early morning or late evening light can sometimes make it easier to spot the purple hues of young asparagus.
Document Your Finds: Keep a journal or use a GPS app to mark successful foraging locations for future seasons.

Preparing Asparagus

To prepare the spears, I clean them with fresh water, pat dry, then take a large bowl and toss them with a little EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and whatever spices I want to add. I like seasoned salt, garlic powder, or even Lemon-Pepper. Then I put foil down on the preheated grill and let them cook. I think a little char on them is quite tasty.

Sometimes, I make pasta—one of my food storage staples—and add my grilled asparagus pieces along with other fresh vegetables and a chicken breast, and voila…a healthy and scrumptious dinner.

Freezing For Later

If I want to freeze it, there are two methods.

Blanch it to stop the enzymes from degrading the spears, and retaining the color and texture. After blanching, place it in ice water to stop the cooking. Pat dry. and place in freezer bags.
Vacuum seal the asparagus (which I do), then you can eliminate the blanching. I’ve done both and prefer the vacuum sealing because ice crystals still manage to form in the freezer bags.

The Curious Case of Asparagus and Urine Odor

I know someone out there is going to ask the question, “Why does my pee smell bad after eating asparagus?” It’s because digestion breaks it down into sulfurous amino acids. So, no, you are not getting a UTI, it’s just the small price you have to pay for enjoying this spring delicacy! Foraging wild asparagus is just one more survival skill to add to your collection!

Expand Your Foraging Knowledge

FAQ

When is the best time to go foraging for wild asparagus?

Generally, late spring is the best time, depending on how warm the spring has been. Look for new shoots emerging near old, dried asparagus plants.

How much of the asparagus should I harvest?

Harvest spears that are around 6 inches tall. Avoid taking every single spear from a plant to allow it to continue growing. For mature plants with branching, take only the tender upper parts.

Is it safe to eat wild asparagus?

Generally, yes, wild asparagus is safe to eat. However, it’s important to be sure of your identification. If you are unsure, do not harvest or consume it. Be mindful of potential pesticide spraying in roadside areas and avoid foraging in polluted areas.

Why does my urine smell after eating asparagus?

Asparagus contains sulfurous amino acids that are broken down during digestion, resulting in a characteristic odor in urine. This is a normal and harmless reaction for many people.

Can I grow my own asparagus from wild seeds?

While you can try, it’s often more reliable to purchase asparagus roots from a nursery. These are typically selected for better yield and take about three years to mature for harvesting.

Are there any poisonous plants that look like asparagus?

While mature asparagus is quite distinctive, it’s essential to be cautious with young shoots. Thorough identification is crucial. If you are a beginner, it’s best to go foraging with an experienced person or consult reliable field guides.

Final Thoughts

So, when the days grow longer and a touch of green returns to the landscape, keep an eye out for those tell-tale signs of wild asparagus. With a little patience and the knowledge you’ve gained, you can transform a simple walk outdoors into a rewarding treasure hunt, culminating in a delicious and truly seasonal meal. Happy foraging!

Trending Products