ASPARAGUS
A little about asparagus..
The word asparagus first appeared in English around 1000AD. Originally from Europe, North Africa, & Asia. Wild asparagus were seen as early as the 19th century. Asparagus has been dried/stored/frozen for during winter months since 3000BC.
The Romans were the first to cultivate asparagus, while ancient Greeks also ate wild asparagus. Greeks & Romans used asparagus for it's many medicinal qualities.
Colonists are thought to have brought asparagus to North America in the 1700s.
By the 1850s, asparagus had made it to Northern California.
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Asparagus is part of the lily family, cousin to garlic and onion.
It is a perennial plant. Harvest begins mid-April and goes in to June.
Once planted, it takes three years to harvest. For two years the plant will continue to grow, increasing in root size.
Each spear is hand-picked, making it a little more difficult to harvest.
A single spear of asparagus can grow 7 to 8 INCHES A DAY!
Washington is the 2nd largest producer in the U.S. with nearly 5,000 acres grown.
Green asparagus is most common, there is also purple, white and wild asparagus.
White is most difficult to grow as it grows underground, void of sunlight.
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World record for eating asparagus is 9lbs, 5.2oz of deep fried asparagus in 10 minutes, made in 2011.
Health Benefits
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Asparagus contains NO fat or cholesterol, gluten. It is low in sodium and calories.
Excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals.
High in folate (B-9), folic acid (healthy pregnancy!), antioxidants, potassium, fiber, thiamin, and iron. Also rich in vitamins A, E, C, B-2, and K.
It is rich in saponins, which reduce cancer risks, help maintain blood sugar and assists in lowering high blood pressure.
Can aid in weight loss, ease hangovers, anti-aging, promotes bone health.
Is detoxifying, helps protect liver cells, improve digestion, increase production of red blood cells, help prevent urinary tract infections.
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Eat your asparagus!
Recipes, freezing & more
A few delicious and easy recipes featuring ASPARAGUS; one of our pick your own vegetables!
Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
Pasta Primavera with
Shaved Asparagus
Grilled Chicken, Pesto
& Asparagus Pasta
Roasted Asparagus
& Potatoes
How to Cook
Freezing
Caprese Roasted Asparagus
What Goes Well with Asparagus