The history of asparagus goes right back to 2000 BC. It was cultivated by the Ancient Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans. During the Middle Ages asparagus was a highly prized herbal remedy for gout. It was then rediscovered for the modern world by the French Sun King, Louis XIV. In the 17th century the "royal vegetable" was grown for Elector Palatine Karl Theodor in the palace garden of his summer residence in Schwetzingen, and during the 18th century its popularity gradually spread to the royal kitchens of neighbouring princedoms. For much of its history asparagus was the preserve of the privileged few within the church and society. More recently it has come to be recognised as a very healthy vegetable which has purifying benefits for the body. An asparagus cure is one of the most pleasurable ways to care for your health. And who can resist the taste of this "royal vegetable"? The asparagus season is as eagerly awaited by gourmets as the new crop of sweet, juicy strawberries.
The Baden Asparagus Route and parallel cycle trail cover around 136 kilometres from Schwetzingen, the famous asparagus-producing town, to Scherzheim via Reilingen, Karlsruhe and Rastatt. The white asparagus spears are harvested between the middle of April and 24 June. Visitors can watch the harvesters at work and even join in and help. During these weeks there are asparagus festivals all along the Asparagus Route and plenty of opportunity to taste delicious fresh asparagus specialities served by hospitable landlords. Once the harvest is over, the green plants and red berries mean the asparagus fields are still easily recognisable well into the autumn. Besides asparagus fields, there are other attractions along this gourmet route, including flower-filled meadows, beautifully laid-out parks and gardens, places of cultural interest, lakes suitable for bathing, museums and historical sites.
