Asparagus: season and benefits
Seasonal calendar - Asparagus
Nutritional values
Very low in calories and rich in folate (B9), asparagus is also diuretic thanks to its asparagine content.
Storage
Asparagus is very perishable: eat within 2 to 3 days of purchase. Store it upright, stems in a glass of water, in the fridge, covered with a plastic bag. It freezes after 2 minutes of blanching but loses its crunch. White asparagus needs peeling, green does not.
Origin
Asparagus originates from the eastern Mediterranean basin. Egyptians cultivated it 5,000 years ago and Romans enjoyed it as a starter. Louis XIV was so fond of it that La Quintinie developed techniques to produce it year-round. The Loire Valley, Landes and Alsace are the great French asparagus regions.
Cooking Asparagus
Goes well with
Recipe ideas
- Asparagus with vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus with Parmesan
- Asparagus soup
- Asparagus risotto
- White asparagus with hollandaise
Did you know?
The characteristic smell of urine after eating asparagus is caused by asparagusic acid, but only 40% of people possess the gene to detect it.