THIS year’s Asparabus Tours are under way, offering a fantastic tour of the area as well as the chance to sample plenty of the Vale’s finest export.
The first tour was held yesterday and the trips always attract people from all over the globe who want to enjoy the quirkiness of the British Asparagus Festival.
One of the tour’s highlights is to spot the mythical asparagus man, Gus, who puts in an appearance when least expected. The tour is also a gastronomic guzzle with the chance to taste asparagus in a variety of guises on every leg (or should that be spear) of the journey.
Accompanied by an Asparaguide boasting the finest of green credentials, first stop on this magical vegetable tour is the National Trust pub, the historic Fleece Inn at Bretforton. The 600-year-old pub is home to the famous asparagus auctions and also the location for the asparagus season launch which took place on April 23.
Following a demonstration of the ancient art of asparagus tying, the tour continues with a trip around winding lanes of the Vale’s stunning countryside. Lunch is an asparagus-themed feast in the market town of Evesham, after which it’s all aboard for a visit to the asparagus fields to understand how ‘gras’ is grown and harvested.
This includes a chance to see the rare purple asparagus beds too.
There’s also a stop at a renowned farm shop where an award-winning chef will cook up all sorts during his asparademo.
Visitors can also buy their own Vale asparagus or choose from a plethora of asparagus goodies that include jam, chutney, sausages, soap and even ice cream.
Tours will also take place on Sunday and Wednesday, May 22, with a start time of around 10am and finishing around 4pm.
The cost of the tour is £13 for adults, £12 for seniors and £10 for children. Booking is essential and more information on how to do so can be found on dudleys-coach es.co.uk and britishaspara gusfestival.org
