Asparagus purple

Asparagus purple

  • +Description

    The asparagus plant is a member of the lily family, which also includes onions, leeks and garlic. Asparagus is native to the west coasts of Europe. Asparagus is a perennial crop. Harvest is normally started the third year after planting. The usual commercial life of an asparagus field is from 10 to 12 years. Only the young shoots of asparagus are eaten. The purple colour is due to the anthrocyanin pigment. With a 20% higher sugar content than green asparagus, purple asparagus is most sweet of all.

  • +Availability

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    Purple asparagus are available from Peru.

  • +Main nutrients

    Calcium, Copper, Fiber, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Riboflavin, Selium, Thiamin, Zinc Vitamin A, B6, C, E and K.

Main varieties

  • Asparagus purple

    Asparagus purple

    With a 20% higher sugar content than green asparagus, purple asparagus is most sweet of all.

    View Asparagus purple

Preparation

Preparation

Use a potato or vegetable peeler to peel the skin from the stalk. This is not necessary, but is sometimes preferred. When the peel is left on the asparagus, make sure to wash it. Then cut of the base. From here, either boil, stir-fry, steam or grill the stalks. It is recommended to grill the spears, to maintain most texture, vitamin and flavour. Asparagus have a short cooking time of a few minutes.

Consumption

In general, asparagus can be eaten either hot or cold- with meat of fish, or in salads. It goes well with other vegetables or can be served alone or as the main ingredient of more sophisticated dishes. Asparagus can best be grilled rather than boiled, to maintain flavour, aroma as well as the vitamins and minerals.

When to eat

A common misconception is that thin spears are young shoots and therefore more tender. In fact, long, thick dark purple glossy spears with tightly closed heads are the best quality. Asparagus can best be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days.

Did you know?

  • Asparagus was first cultivated about 2500 years ago in Greece.
  • The name is a Greek word, meaning stalk or shoot.
  • Asparagus have a an aphrodisiac working.
  • Purple asparagus turn green when you cook them.
 

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