Two types of asparagus exist in the Huétor-Tájar area; purple asparagus, originating in autochthonous varieties, and green asparagus. Since 1996 the purple asparagus has been protected by the Denominación Específica Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar, and has been identified by the logotype and label issued by the corresponding Consejo Regulador.

In the 1960s groups of agricultural workers joined forces to market the highly regarded asparagus grown in Huétor-Tájar. In the mid 1970s the first cooperatives were formed. One of the earliest was Centro Sur S.C.A. which went on to improve production and marketing techniques. Asparagus production in the area, which in 1977 was 50,000 Kg, is now estimated to be around 10 million Kg.

Ignacio Sánchez used the Huétor Tájar purple asparagus for the recipe “Mackerel marinaded in impregnated Huétor Tájar asparagus verbena”. “I was surprised by Cesurca’s green asparagus jam, because it’s very respectful towards the product’s flavour and has a very balanced texture. I would recommed the Huétor –Tájar purple asparagus for its special flavour and its marvellous colour, both tinned and fresh”.