Francisco Javier Álvarez

In Los Gansos, under a sun that bathes the furrows in gold, Francisco Javier Álvarez walks among rows of asparagus as if showcasing a newly polished jewel. The director of agriculture for Comondú smiles as he describes this place, located in the heart of the Baja California Sur desert, where they cultivate ‘the Ferrari of vegetables.’ And he isn’t exaggerating. Hortícola Santo Domingo, a global agricultural giant, along with its sister company, Agroproducto Las Cumbres, operates this green oasis, where 40 to 50 workers cut, pack, and ship these delicacies to discerning tables across the United States and Europe.

‘Everything produced here is exported. Not a single asparagus spear remains in the local market. International demand is extremely high,’ says Francisco.

Approximately 7,500 hectares of premium asparagus are cultivated in Comondú, transforming the municipality into an unexpected agricultural standout in Latin America. Although this venture started later than in other regions, the learning curve has been rapid. Each week, local producers are joining in, and even on a smaller scale, they are growing asparagus stalks that can directly compete with those of larger companies.

‘The quality we have in Comondú is unmatched. It’s an exceptional land for asparagus, and we are fully utilizing its potential,’ he says proudly.

The harvesting routine resembles a dance. At six in the morning, the crews arrive armed with sharp knives. Amid laughter and the clatter of baskets, they manage to finish their work before the heat becomes unbearable at ten o’clock. As the sun beats down, the asparagus continues to sprout. Remarkably, as if the field is following an internal clock, the workers return at three in the afternoon and continue until six. This process includes two cuts a day, thanks to an ideally suited climate. Thus, amidst dust, sweat, and discipline, Comondú proudly establishes itself as the asparagus capital.