Winter’s officially over in my little corner of Sardinia when the dark green shoots of wild asparagus start poking their heads out of the meadows. Seriously, we’re asparagus central around here!

Every spring, it’s a familiar sight: cars parked along the roadside, and folks armed with brown paper bags, carefully navigating the hillsides. At first, I was completely baffled. It looked like mushroom hunting, but…it was the wrong season. We hunt mushrooms in the autumn, not spring.

Then, my wonderful neighbor gifted me a mysterious brown paper bag with a note: “A Sardinian delight!” Peeking inside, I finally cracked the code: a bundle of freshly picked, dark green asparagus spears.

Turns out, my town is renowned for its wild asparagus. People come from miles around to hike our hills and gather this incredible treasure. These aren’t your average supermarket asparagus. They’re a deeper, richer green, often with hints of purple. They’re thinner and, most importantly, the flavor? Completely different! Think earthy, almost mushroomy notes, with an intense, unforgettable taste that explodes on your tongue.

The locals keep things simple, and their recipe is pure perfection:

Simple Sardinian Asparagus with Garlic

• A generous bunch of wild asparagus
• 5-10 cloves garlic (depending on your garlic-loving prowess!)

1. Clean the asparagus spears.
2. Steam until just tender-crisp.
3. Mince the garlic (or use a press).
4. Sauté the garlic in olive oil until lightly golden.
5. Add the asparagus and cook gently for 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve immediately, ideally with a glass of Sardinian red wine.

It’s a taste of springtime, a taste of Sardinia, and a taste of pure simple perfection. What are your favorite ways to enjoy asparagus? Let me know in the comments!