The importance of legends. This variety of asparagus is known as “Saracen” because in Vinchio, home town of Davide Lajolo, a number of digs are said to have unearthed a number of bodies armed with swords, immediately believed to be the legendary Saracen bandits who terrorised this area. The hill where they were found became the ‘Hill of the Saracens’, and when local farmers started planting asparagus among the vines these automatically became known as Saracen too. Dark green in colour, this variety is delicious, full-flavoured, tender, fleshy and fragrant, and can be eaten without any other additions. It is much sought after by the gourmets in view of its early ripening, around mid April.