I saw this news last night on the web and thought it was a joke, or maybe some kind of installation food art, or perhaps social commentary? But nope it’s not: A Whole Foods in L.A. was selling asparagus water. That’s right — Whole Foods bottled water with asparagus in it and slapped a $5.99 price tag on it.
This obviously has driven a lot commentary and ridicule. So much, in fact, that Whole Foods has now removed the product from their shelves. A Whole Foods rep explained to Eater that, "It was meant to be water with the essence of vegetables and/or mushrooms to be used as broth (similar to a bone broth)...The product was made incorrectly and has since been removed from the one store where it was carried," but I have to admit that I am a little skeptical.
Now, listen guys, I shop at Whole Foods (and I love it), but I am not clueless as to their reputation for being overly expensive and the fact that some of their products can seem a little, well, precious. So, this asparagus water, mistake or not, is not doing them any favors on either of those fronts. It’s also not a great move considering their overcharging scandal just a few weeks ago.
And don't get me wrong, I love a nice flavored water. Something like cucumber and mint infused H2O in the summer heat just hits the spot. But I never once said to myself, “Golly, I am feeling so hot and humid today — some asparagus would really be a relief!”
I think it will take Whole Foods a while to live this one down — I can see the glimmer of an S.N.L. skit!
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