In the Speyer area the ground is very sandy, which is ideal for growing asparagus. Asparagus here means white asparagus, which is cutting off shoots underground before they see the daylight. It needs to be peeled, otherweise it will be very bitter, and is traditionally served with sauce hollandaise and pancakes or potatoes.
The neighbouring town of Dudenhofen in the west is well known for farming asparagus and strawberries. The opening of the asparagus season is hosted by celebrities. Then the harvest is going on until St John's day, sometimes even longer. The asparagus can be bought directly from the farm or on the market in Speyer. Together with the good local wine (preferably a grey burgundy) it is a culinary highlight in the spring.