Vegetable
UC 157
A tier
UC 157 is a University of California hybrid tailored to warm-climate green asparagus production—especially the Imperial Valley and similar desert irrigation districts that supply winter and spring US markets. Spears are green, medium to large, and selected for heat-season yield rather than northern European early-cold performance. Flavour is straightforward market green asparagus: grassy, clean, and best when tips are still tight after desert harvest and long trucking. Most supermarket green asparagus in western North America has spent years dominated by UC-type genetics. Cook as for any green spear—high heat roast, grill, or brief steam. Desert-grown stalks can be drier; do not overcook.
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History
UC 157 was released from University of California breeding for warm-region commercial fields.
California desert asparagus acreage standardised on UC 157 and related hybrids.
Winter green asparagus in US retail was widely UC 157-type product.
Newer UC and private hybrids competed, but UC 157 remained a production reference.