Asparagus

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Asparagus are consumed due to their exceptional taste and healing properties for almost 2000 years. They originate from the Eastern Mediterranean region. Various varieties found in North and South Africa are also cultivated in Egypt. Asparagus grows as a weed in the southern parts of Russia and Poland, as well as along the coast of England.

Asparagus was rediscovered and re-popularized in the 18th century by Louis XIV. With their unconventional taste, they manage to impress the Sun King. It is for this reason that asparagus is called the "royal vegetable" and still impresses connoisseurs of refined taste.

Today, asparagus is grown in parts of the world with temperate and subtropical climates. They are grown commercially in the United States, Mexico, Peru, France, Spain and some Mediterranean countries.

Asparagus are a perennial garden plant belonging to the Lilies family. Asparagus are fleshy shoots ending in pimples. They are considered a luxury vegetable due to their juicy taste and delicate texture. Asparagus is picked in the spring when it is 6 to 8 inches tall.

Composition of asparagus

Asparagus are an excellent source of vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, vitamin A. They are also a very good source of B vitamins, including vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6, as well as dietary fiber, manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium and proteins. 180 g of asparagus contains 43.2 calories and 4.66 g of protein.

Types of asparagus

There are about 3000 types of asparagus, but only three species are most common on the market. These are white, purple and green.

While the most common varieties of asparagus are green, there are two other varieties that are edible.

White asparagus has a delicate taste and delicate texture and is grown underground, thus stopping the development of chlorophyll content, which is the reason for their distinctive white color. One of the largest producers of white asparagus is the Netherlands, where this vegetable is deeply rooted in traditional cuisine. They are usually found canned, but can also be found fresh. This species is more expensive than the green variety.

Another type of asparagus has a purple color. They are much smaller than green or white varieties (usually only 2 to 3 inches tall) and have a fruity taste. This species contains plant substances called anthocyanins, which give them a purple color.

Selection and storage of asparagus

When the choice of asparagus care must be taken to ensure that their stems are rounded, not greasy and twisted. You should buy asparagus with tender, thin stems, with a deep green or purple color. Yellowish discoloration may be a sign of stale vegetables. Too much long asparagus are also not preferable because the length increases the weight, but not the useful qualities.

Asparagus should be used within a day or two after purchase to preserve its flavor. They are stored in the refrigerator with the ends wrapped in a damp cloth, away from light, as folate is destroyed by exposure to air, heat and light.

To be keep the aroma of asparagus for a long time, they should be frozen raw in plastic bags. Thus, they can last up to 6-7 months.

Culinary application of asparagus

When the asparagus is still young, all you have to do is cut its stems very lightly. In larger stems begin to thicken, which requires careful peeling in the direction from the buds to the base.

Asparagus can be consumed both fresh and baked, boiled, grilled or steamed.

They are prepared lying in a deep vessel with salted boiling water for about 5 minutes, immediately after which they are flooded with cold water to stop the cooking and keep their fresh color. Asparagus tips can also be eaten raw in a salad. The taste of asparagus is perfectly complemented by Dutch sauce, pure butter or a slice of prosciutto. Asparagus is very tasty, baked in the oven with a few drops of olive oil and served with cheese of your choice.

Asparagus can be served hot or cold. Although they do not need to be peeled, their fibrous base must be cut off before cooking.

C asparagus you can cook very tasty recipes such as: quiche with asparagus and rhubarb, porridge with peas and asparagus, grilled asparagus and tomatoes, grilled with spinach and asparagus, sauteed asparagus with hollandaise sauce, asparagus with hollandaise sauce and poached egg, stewed asparagus and brussels sprouts, lasagna with asparagus and ham, beef with asparagus, fried asparagus in butter.

Asparagus can regulate blood sugar levels, which is a very useful property for people suffering from diabetes. They also take care of the heart and circulatory system, which further supports the metabolism of sugars and starch. Significant amounts of fiber in asparagus reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Benefits of asparagus

Folate is essential for the health of the cardiovascular system. Folate participates in the methylation cycle, a biochemical cycle in which a methyl group - one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms - is transferred from one molecule to another. Consumption of 400 mcg of folate daily is thought to reduce the risk of heart attack. Only one portion of asparagus delivers almost 66% of the recommended daily dose of folate.

Asparagus is a very good source of potassium and sodium. The mineral profile of asparagus, combined with the active amino acid - asparagine, gives asparagus a diuretic effect. They are used to treat problems with swelling, such as arthritis and rheumatism.

Asparagus helps and in the fight against birth defects. In the early stages of pregnancy, asparagus needs to be a frequent addition to the diet. One serving of asparagus provides about 263 mcg of folate and vitamin B, which are essential for proper cell division, which is necessary for DNA synthesis. Insufficient folate during pregnancy is associated with some birth defects, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Asparagus is extremely rich of vitamin E, which is a valuable antioxidant. It maintains a strong immune system, effectively protects cells from the harmful effects of dangerous free radicals. To increase even more the beneficial effect of asparagus, it is best consumed in combination with olive oil. Thus, the body absorbs even more useful vitamin E.

Asparagus is believed to relieve the symptoms of a hangover. The minerals and ingredients in vegetables help the body get rid of toxins that accumulate in the liver as a result of alcohol consumption.

The high content of B vitamins in asparagus helps to improve mood and eliminate obsessive thoughts. Symptoms of stress and irritability are reduced, which helps for a more optimistic outlook on life. The content of tryptophan in this vegetable helps to release serotonin in the brain - the hormone of happiness.

According to a number of studies, asparagus can reduce the risk of cancer due to its high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances.

Asparagus is rich of the ingredient inulin, which has the ability to maintain the digestive system in excellent health. Inulin feeds the good bacteria in the intestines, which in turn prevent the formation of harmful substances and the fermentation of food in the colon.

Harm from asparagus

IN asparagus is contained the substance asparagine, which is too acidic and irritates the gastric mucosa. Asparagus contains natural substances called purines. In some people who are prone to purine problems associated with excessive intake of these substances, asparagus can be a cause of health problems.

Excess accumulation of purines in the body can lead to accumulation of excess uric acid. For this reason, people with kidney problems or gout should limit or avoid eating purine-containing foods such as asparagus.