---
type: "Article"
title: "From asparagus field to gourmet kitchen – a contemplation"
description: "We recently had a chance to visit two local vegetable and fruit producers in the company of the distinguished chef August Minikus of the Mammertsberg."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/switzerland/from-asparagus-field-to-gourmet-kitchen-a-contemplation"
author: "Katja Birrer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 8
tags: ["Nature", "Switzerland"]
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/nature-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culinary-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/itinerary"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/experience-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/restaurant"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/organizations/swiss-international-air-lines"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2026-07-04T13:42:29+00:00 }
verified:
  - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2016-06-18T06:40:47+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: from-asparagus-field-to-gourmet-kitchen-a-contemplation.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Katja Birrer"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
timestamp: 2026-07-04T13:42:29+00:00
---

# From asparagus field to gourmet kitchen – a contemplation

> A behind-the-scenes farm tour in eastern Switzerland, hosted by Relais & Châteaux property Mammertsberg, tracing the journey of regional white asparagus and strawberries from field to gourmet kitchen under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef August Minikus.

## Destination
Mammertsberg, eastern Switzerland (canton of Thurgau), with farm visits in Diepoldsau and Steinebrunn

## Why visit
To experience the Relais & Châteaux philosophy of seasonal, local sourcing firsthand, and to see how a 17 Gault Millau point, 1 Michelin star chef translates regional produce into light, creative gourmet dishes.

## What to see
- **Fahrmaadhof, Diepoldsau** — Family farm producing around 40 tons of white asparagus per year on 32 acres, with mini-tunnel and in-soil heating to extend the season.
- **Sonnenhof, Steinebrunn** — Second-generation family berry farm founded in 1973, growing eight varieties of strawberries in hanging gardens alongside raspberries, blackberries, and currants.

## What to do
- **Farm tour with chef August Minikus** — Walk the asparagus fields and strawberry plantings guided by the Mammertsberg head chef, who explains cultivation techniques and sourcing choices.
- **Asparagus and strawberry tastings** — Sample freshly cut Thurgau white asparagus prepared by Minikus and taste eight distinct strawberry varieties at Sonnenhof.
- **Dining at Mammertsberg** — Experience light, creative gourmet cuisine marrying Thurgau seasonal produce with international influences at the Relais & Châteaux property.

## Good to know
Swiss white asparagus has an official season start, but Fahrmaadhof uses in-soil heating and mini-tunnels to harvest earlier. Strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges and only 32 kcal per 100 g, though the article notes that pairing them with chocolate cake offsets the diet benefit.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Justine-Chris-Tyerman-Alpina-Tschiertschen-restaurant.jpg"
    caption: "Justine and Chris enjoying their dinner"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Alpina-Tschiertschen-panorama-restaurant.jpg"
    caption: "Panorama Restaurant ©Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa"
```