Asparagus is an"elegant" vegetable with a unique favor. It can be served in numerous ways, but the key to great taste is to consume it as quickly as possible after purchase. Asparagus is pricier than most vegetables due to a long maturatio period, short growing season and need for hand-harvesting. Asparagus can be served hot or cold, plain or with a sauce, or puree for delicious soups and toppings.
Varieties
Green-common around the world.'Martha Washington" and"Mary Green common around the world. "Martha Washington" are the most cultivated varieties in the U.S.
Purple -these stalks are indeed colorful, but will turn an ordinary green when cooked. Also known as"viola." White the same variety as green, but it is grown underground and has no chlorophyll. Very popular in Europe. Asparagus and Health Ancient Chinese herbalists have used asparagus root to treat many maladies from arthritis to infertility. The root contains compounds called steroidal glycosides, properties. which may have anti-inflammatory one-half cup of cooked asparagus contains significant amounts of folic acid, vitamin C, potassium and bet carotene. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects cervical cancer, colon and rectal cancer and heart disease.