asparagus

" In 2004, the top 3 asparagus producers were China at 587500 tons, followed by Peru (186000 tons), the United States (102780 tons). China is the largest asparagus producer in the world. in 2003, Chinese asparagus production reached 5.5 million tons, more than double the amount a decade ago, according to FAOSTAT. Chinese asparagus yield was 4.9 ton/ha in 2003, according to FAOSTAT. In comparison, the U.S yield in 2003 was 3.4 ton/ha, according to USDA's National Agriculture Statistics Service. The major of asparagus produced in China is white, due to Chinese consumer preferences. Green asparagus is produced only in limited quantities. Asparagus is harvested in both the spring and fall, although the heaviest production occurs in the spring. Additionally, Japanese and Taiwanese businesses are investing in the Chinese asparagus industry. China is also becoming a major exporter of asparagus. Although China exports small quantities of fresh asparagus, the majority of China's asparagus exports are processed. While China exports processed asparagus to over 50 countries, its chief markets are in EU. Asparagus trade between China and the United States is minimal. The United States primarily imports canned asparagus from China. "