Arthur Giaccotto

Arthur Giaccotto is a second generation market gardener, his family having lived in the area for approximately 70 years. Arthur and Shirley Giaccotto started with 20 acres 18 years ago and now have over 150 acres. What Arthur loves about the Koo Wee Rup area is that even though it is close to Melbourne, it is still country, “And I dislike climbing hills!” Arthur adds.

“The type of asparagus we grow here - the UC157 variety - is ideal for our soils and climate. It produces more heavily than the original Mary Washington variety and the quality is outstanding. The work frame of asparagus is less demanding than mixed cropping and it does not need irrigation in this area.

Asparagus is not like any other crop - you can be blasted out with hail or dust, then within 7-10 days you can be back out harvesting!

Asparagus is a very versatile vegetable. You can eat it raw in salads or cook it in so many different ways. One of the ways I love cooking asparagus is to whip up an omelette using farm fresh eggs from my friend’s farm. Start by cooking finely diced onion and sliced asparagus until just tender, then flatten the vegetables in a layer and top with beaten eggs (allow 6 eggs per 200g bunch of asparagus) with pepper and a little salt to taste. Cook until just set and serve piping hot - be sure not to overcook it or it will become rubbery.”

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Copyright© Australian Asparagus Council. Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information on this website is correct and up to date, no representation is made or warranty given (either express or implied) as to the completeness, accuracy or currency of the information that it contains. Last updated August 2007