The plant you call "weed" and pull out of your garden has turned into a fortune in Europe's luxury restaurants. Known as "head trouble" in Poland and "white gold" in Germany, there are those who pay 1,000 euros for 1 kilogram of this plant. Yes, you heard right — this plant, known as "wild asparagus," is considered an ordinary weed here, but in Europe, it is valued like a treasure.
According to Milli.Az, this wild hop shoots, which do not receive much attention here, are considered a rare delicacy in Europe's elite kitchens. Its fresh shoots find buyers at prices up to 1,000 euros per kilogram.
In countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, gourmets accept this plant as a "rare delight" and do not hesitate to pay a high price. The main characteristic that makes it so valuable is its white shoots.
Collected from March to May, these shoots grow completely underground, which makes them difficult to find. The white buds, known for their strong and distinctive aroma, are very rare, and therefore sold at very high prices.
It is easier to find the green shoots of the plant that emerge above the ground. Although they do not provide as strong a taste as the white ones, they are widely used in dishes, especially in the spring months. However, only young and tender shoots can be eaten — as they harden, they completely lose their flavor.
The taste of these shoots resembles asparagus, carrying a light hazelnut aroma, with hints of cabbage and mung bean flavor.
The shoots are tastiest when eaten immediately after harvesting. They are briefly blanched in boiling water and added to salads, or fried with butter, or used in soups.
This plant is chosen not only for its high price but also for its health benefits.
It is rich in flavonoids with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties. At the same time, it also shows a therapeutic effect against digestive system disorders.
