Asparagus is coming into season in May, and most of us don't know anything about them other than the fact that they taste good wrapped in bacon or prosciutto on the grill. While this information is in fact correct, there are many layers to this delightfully weird green spring veggie. Did you know there is a white version, and a genetically modified purple one? True story.
Asparagus is both a succulent and tender spring-growing perennial plant like artichokes and rhubarb.It’sdelicious and versatile: you can go classic and plain by eating it with a little butter, salt and pepper; dress it up with some Hollandaise; get really creative by adding it to your omelette or frittata; or even bake it into some sort of other yummy interesting creation.
When choosing the perfect spears you should go by feel and colour, make sure that your stalks are firm, straight and bright green. The white “buttstock,” as some call it, are tough and inedible, so choose asparagus that has no to little amount of this.
Growing asparagus is like a long-term relationship, because it takes three years for the seed to fully grow. So if you are not in it for the long haul, plant some lettuce instead (they are kind of a wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am kind of plant). I guess that’s why asparagus aren’t the cheapest veggies on the shelf.
There is a place called Oceana County in Michigan that has proclaimed itself the asparagus capital of the world and even has a festival every June to celebrate the harvest. I don’t know if they go by volume, but if they do, I've got bad news - China produces most of the world’s asparagus. Sorry Oceana, but I’m sure asparagus lovers near and far appreciate your enthusiasm.
Now it’s no urban myth that asparagus makes you have pungent smelling urine (and semen), but what's interesting is that not everyone can smell it, and this is actually a genetic condition called specific anosmia. Well for you folks, all I have to say is, trust us, it smells. And that’s not the only weird/interesting thing about this edible spear. Did you know that that white asparagus is just regular asparagus grown without sun? Farmers will actually cover the growing plant with soil and when it’s exposed to sunlight after harvesting, it turns pink. So why aren’t we eating pink asparagus? Because apparently there is no market for it.
So besides being delicious and weird, there are tons of other reasons to indulge in this green stick like veggie, like the packed nutrient content. Not only is it a good source of protein, glutathione, b6 and folicin but it was also renowned in ancient times as an aphrodisiac, I guess there’s nothing like smell of stinky pee to get you in the mood? No judgement, I guess. Here are a couple of other things that Asparagus can do for you nutritionally.
Vitamin K
Great for your heart, the building of strong bones and blood clotting.
Folate
Support your nervous system and cardiovascular health by simply eating more asparagus spears? Sounds good to me.
Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation got you down? Munch on some asparagus, add it to your dietary repertoire and never look back!
Chromium
This mineral helps insulin transport glucose, making it a great helper maintaining stable sugar levels.
Asparagus Side Dish
Ingredients:
• 2 bunches of asparagus
• 1 tbsp cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp balsamic reduction
• Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
• Wash asparagus thoroughly, break-off and discard the ends.
• Steam asparagus until tender.
• Serve with drizzled olive oil, balsamic reduction and salt and pepper.
