An Interesting Plant

Asparagus is an interesting vegetable, not only in how it grows but also its many benefits. It's not a vegetable that is always at the top of everyone's list, but the nutritional assets are phenomenal.

Asparagus comes from the Greek word (asparat), which means sprout, shoot, or fern-like plant. As kids, the common word for asparagus was "yuck!" but our eyes are opened as we grow older and find out more information. Asparagus is described as one of the most essential vegetables. It has no fat content, is full of fiber, and also supplies vitamins and minerals in all categories. Asparagus is a highly potent vegetable used in fighting cancer. It helps to mend and maintain the body, helps the immune system, and is beneficial in fighting bacteria and alien agents that cause tumors to grow. Cancer patients are advised to drink a glass of asparagus juice each day. Dilute it with water, splitting the drink (half in the morning and half in the evening) for good results.

It originates in New England areas and thrives in saline soils where weeds cannot flourish. Crowns are planted in winter and the first shoots appear in early spring. The first pickings or thinnings are known as spru asparagus. White asparagus, (spargile) is cultivated by denying the plant light but increasing ultraviolet rays. It is less bitter than the green variety. France, Germany, and the Netherlands are where white asparagus is most popular. The top three exporters of asparagus are Peru, Mexico, and the United States.

Purple asparagus differs in that it has high levels of sugar and low in fiber. Purple asparagus was developed in Italy. Eat healthy and maintain your body; add asparagus to your diet.