White asparagus is really plain green asparagus, but they cover it with mulch and plastic so the sun can't get to it. The green chlorophyll comes from sun exposure.

Susan is spot on. I discovered this myself when I happened to mention it to a farmer at a farmer's market. His family apparently does this frequently though they just pitch a tent over a patch of asparagus to get the white spears.

That is sooo funny, I can't wait to tell my hubby.... or... maybe I should keep it myself. He'll think I'm magic or something. Thank you so much!!