Paul & Silvana Ventura
Paul Ventura began growing asparagus in Dalmore with his Dad in 1980. He started out with 12 acres of asparagus and gradually expanded over the years. Paul now farms over 100 acres of asparagus with his wife Silvana and with some assistance from his two eldest sons, Michael and Christopher.
Paul enjoys the challenge that each asparagus season brings, as one year is always different to the next. From weather conditions to the loyalty of the cutters, asparagus farming can be quite difficult at times including keeping the cutters happy with such long hours of working through the night to early morning. Regardless of heavy rain, strong winds or hot and humid nights, Paul always goes into the paddock to make sure everyone has turned up for work. Cutting asparagus in cool weather conditions helps produce the highest quality of freshness possible.
The whole family enjoys eating the asparagus when it is cooked on the BBQ until just golden in color, then put into a bowl and dressed with olive oil, red wine or balsamic vinegar, sweet paprika and salt and pepper. It is definitely worth trying and letting us know if you enjoy eating asparagus this way as much as we do.
Paul and Silvana Ventura can be contacted on (03) 5998 8338.