Zenbird Editorial TeamOn 13 February, greenase Inc. and Aeon Tohoku Co., Ltd. launched a new bakery range made from unutilised asparagus. The initiative also involves the Mogami Chuo Agricultural Cooperative and Mitsubishi Shokuhin Co., Ltd.
The project focuses on asparagus grown in Yamagata Prefecture. In the Mogami region alone, approximately 30 tonnes of asparagus are discarded every year. This waste consists primarily of the fibrous bottom ends trimmed to standardise stalk length for shipping, as well as stalks that are misshapen despite having excellent flavour. Greenase applies its proprietary powdering technology to these unutilised portions, converting them into a versatile asparagus powder that retains the original colour, fragrance, and nutrients.
The resulting ingredient features in three bakery items, including pizza and muffins. The products are sold at four MaxValu locations in Yamagata.
