Useful properties of asparagus and contraindications for use. Cooking asparagus dishes. Effect on the body

In Soviet times, pinnate asparagus was a real “lifesaver”: you only had to add a couple of fluffy branches to a bouquet you made yourself, and the composition immediately became more graceful and elegant. Gradually, other, no less interesting species and varieties of this overseas crop won the hearts of flower growers. To date, breeders have bred about three hundred varieties of asparagus, but we will look at the most popular of them.

The plant is a semi-shrub vine with slightly curved, abundantly branching stems

From the huge variety of representatives of the Asparagus family, only a few of the most popular species are usually chosen for cultivation for decorative purposes, which both look beautiful and grow well at home. They have enough space in small apartments (in hanging plant pots or in flower pots on the windowsill), they are able to adapt to different living conditions and are not particularly demanding on air humidity.

One of the main “favorites” - asparagus plumosus(plumosus), the same feathery species mentioned above. It looks very gentle and elegant thanks to the openwork “web” of light green fluffy shoots. The plant is a semi-shrub vine with slightly curved, abundantly branching stems and tiny brown leaves, reduced to triangular scales. Over time, the spreading shoots become exposed below. It blooms in white or soft beige, after which blue-black or red berries with 1-3 seeds are formed. In apartments, a dwarf variety called Asparagus plumossus Nanus.

Video about pinnate asparagus for the home

The feathery species does not respond well to direct sunlight, so it should be placed behind a curtain or in the back of the room. Otherwise, Plumosus is undemanding and unpretentious. It is important only a couple of years after planting asparagus to install a trellis in the flowerpot to form a beautiful green “cap”.

Two equally well-known varieties - Meyer asparagus And Sprenger, belong to the species of densely flowered plants. The first is a compact bush with drooping straight shoots reaching a length of 50 cm. Thin, crowded leaves of a juicy green color look like soft needles. In summer, the plant is covered with fragrant white flowers, then bright red single-seeded berries appear.

The second option is also known as Ethiopian. This representative of the asparagus family is a climbing subshrub with long drooping stems (up to 1.5 m). There are varieties with bare, flat, linear, erect, curved and straight shoots, single or paired. Miniature snow-white or white-pink flowers with a pleasant aroma bloom along the entire length of the shoots. The flowers are replaced by red fruits with one black seed. Sprenger's asparagus is the only one among other decorative varieties that loves intense lighting and also tolerates dry air well, but in the hot season it needs abundant watering.

Sprenger's asparagus is the only one among other decorative varieties that loves intense lighting.

In addition to the listed top three, flower growers are happy to grow other ornamental varieties of asparagus at home:

• Crescent asparagus, recognized as the most beautiful vine among its “compatriots”. Its thick stems grow quickly and can reach 15 m in length, turning into lignified branched shoots with sparse thorns as they grow. The tops of the shoots are decorated with crescent-shaped leaves-cladodes of dark green color. During flowering, loose racemose inflorescences with fragrant small flowers appear on the vines, and after pollination, brown pea-shaped berries ripen. The plant can be formed into a lush bush if you regularly trim the stems and select spacious pots for annual replanting.

During flowering, loose racemose inflorescences with fragrant small flowers appear on the vines

• Asparagus-shaped asparagus (another name is asparagus-shaped) is used both as an hanging plant and on a trellis. Its thin, soft green stems are very flexible, branched, up to one meter or more in length. The reduced leaves are glossy, juicy green, ovoid in shape. It blooms with small greenish-white flowers with a delicate aroma, the berries are orange or scarlet. The stems of this plant are perfect for making bouquets due to not only their decorative value, but also their ability to retain freshness for a long time after cutting.
• Racemosus asparagus is an evergreen vine with thin climbing shoots up to two meters long. Cladodia are linear, about 5 cm in size, light green in color. It blooms with white or deep pink fragrant flowers collected in racemes. The fruits are small, spherical, red. This variety loves good lighting and does not lose its beauty with insufficient air humidity, unlike other species. Excellent for growing in hanging pots.
• Asparagus medioloides is often used as a hanging plant for interior decoration or as a plant with climbing stems when creating a winter garden. The flexible, branched shoots of honey-shaped asparagus have a delicate green color. Reduced oval-shaped leaves, snow-white flowers, orange berries. Medioloides can grow both in a illuminated place and in partial shade; it does not bloom in strong shade.

Medioloides can grow both in a illuminated place and in partial shade; it does not bloom in strong shade.

Asparagus officinalis – a storehouse of vitamins

Ordinary green asparagus (another name is medicinal), unlike all the above varieties, is grown primarily for its young shoots, which are used as food. This culture is extremely popular; it’s not for nothing that in the West, asparagus dishes are always present in children’s and adult menus.

You need to understand that popular Korean salads made from the so-called “Chinese asparagus” are unlikely to fill your body with vitamins, since instead of a healthy plant they use specially processed soy milk foam. They named it so solely for its external resemblance to boiled shoots of real asparagus.

Video about deciduous asparagus

This species of the Asparagus family is a perennial plant with erect, smooth stems, from which numerous branches extend upward. Thin straight cladodes grow in bunches of 3-5 pieces, at a slight angle to the stem. Light greens take on a purple tint after a while. At the beginning of summer, small yellowish-white flowers on long stalks appear on the plant. Towards the end of the season, the female bushes begin to bear fruit with red berries.

Medicinal asparagus is easy to grow - in the garden or at your dacha. True, it will be possible to collect shoots for cooking only in the third year after planting, in spring. It is worth noting one nuance when harvesting: if the rosette of the plant is well hilled, protecting the shoots from sunlight, then you can get white asparagus, which is much softer and more tender than green asparagus.

The beneficial properties of asparagus have been known for a long time: it has been used in cooking and medicine for more than two thousand years. The scientific name of this crop is . The rhizomes of the plant are sometimes used to prepare medicines, but more often young shoots up to 20 cm high are used.

Useful properties of asparagus and contraindications

The plant has a number of unique properties. Asparagus is low in calories but highly nutritious. This vegetable is often consumed by those who want to lose weight, as well as for the treatment of diabetes and other diseases.

Edible asparagus is very beneficial for the body because:

• stabilizes blood pressure;
• has diuretic properties;
• has a beneficial effect on the liver;
• provides a mild laxative effect;
• increases immunity;
• stops inflammatory processes;
• helps cleanse the blood;
• removes metabolic products and toxins from the body.

Before consuming asparagus, you should remember that this product is not suitable for those who have duodenal or stomach ulcers. Doctors also argue a lot about the effect of vegetables on the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder. Therefore, people with these diseases should be careful about this culture.

Vitamins and other beneficial substances of asparagus

Many people do not know what is contained in asparagus. In fact, this is a unique vegetable that has a number of positive qualities. Asparagus shoots contain about 93% water and very little fat - 0.1%. This provides it with low calorie content.

Asparagus prevents the development of cellulite and helps smooth the skin.

100 g of asparagus includes:

• protein – 2 g;
• carbohydrates – 3 g;
• dietary fiber – 1.5 g.

Of the minerals, the green vegetable contains (calculated per 100g):

• potassium – 196 mg;
• phosphorus – 62 mg;
• calcium – 21 mg;
• magnesium – 20 mg;
• sodium – 2 mg;
• iron – 1 mg.

Essential vitamins of asparagus (calculated per 100g):

• C – 20 mg;
• A – 8 mg;
• Group B (B1 and B2) – 0.2 mg;
• E – 2 mg;
• RR – 1 mg.

The rich vitamin and mineral composition makes this vegetable very valuable. But this is not the entire list of useful substances.

What else is in asparagus:

1. Glutathione is a strong antioxidant consisting of three amino acids. It strengthens the immune system and reduces the likelihood of developing cancer.
2. Complex of anti-inflammatory substances. It includes saponins, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol.
3. Inulin is a natural polysaccharide that is a prebiotic, which means it helps maintain healthy intestinal microflora.

Benefits of asparagus for women

The medicinal properties of this plant were highly valued by the ancient healers of India. In Ayurveda, the eastern variety of asparagus shatavari is considered the most powerful herb for the treatment of female diseases.

Benefits of asparagus for women:

• ensures the proper functioning of the reproductive organs;
• balances hormonal levels;
• has a rejuvenating effect;
• suitable for fasting days and weight loss;
• blocks the formation of tumors in the uterus and ovaries;
• has an analgesic effect during menstruation;
• eliminates mood swings during PMS;
• increases the body's defenses.

This does not mean that the vegetable needs to be eaten in huge quantities. Since asparagus contains many vitamins, when consuming it, it is important to ensure that there are no allergies.

Applications of asparagus

There are many ways to use asparagus in cooking. It can be eaten raw or cooked, both hot and cold. The maximum amount of useful substances is contained in fresh vegetables, but not everyone likes the taste. Therefore, asparagus is boiled or fried. For longer storage, freeze or pickle. Before freezing, the shoots are usually blanched so that when storing they do not lose their beautiful color.

This plant is the best way to cure infertility.

The multifaceted benefits of the plant allow it to be used in various areas:

Only young shoots are suitable for food. Their optimal length is 15-20 cm, no more. The crop is harvested in spring and early summer. Later shoots become tough and tasteless. Therefore, it is better to eat at the height of the season. You can grow asparagus yourself. This plant will delight its owners for more than 20 years.

Asparagus officinalis and its uses

This variety of asparagus has long been revered in folk medicine. All parts of medicinal asparagus are used: not only rhizomes and shoots, but also fruits. In spring, shoots are collected. The berries are harvested in late summer and early autumn. The roots of asparagus officinalis are harvested at the very beginning of spring or late autumn.

Medicinal asparagus helps get rid of:

• various problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• diseases of the prostate gland and weak potency;
• lung diseases, inflammation in the body;
• dermatitis and skin defects.

Asparagus helps in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. To do this, 60 g of dry crushed roots are poured with a liter of boiling water. After cooling, consume a tablespoon three times a day.

Asparagus for potency

Due to their characteristic shape, asparagus sprouts were used in ancient times in rituals of worship of Aphrodite. They also decorated the newlyweds' bed. In Egypt, the plant was especially popular with the pharaohs. Nowadays, a number of drugs for potency are produced based on asparagus.

Due to its high zinc content, the vegetable is included in the diet for any problems in the genitourinary system:

• urinary disturbance;
• decreased sexual desire;
• inflammation of the prostate gland.

Asparagus is an aphrodisiac that stimulates the production of male hormones and sperm, and is a natural alternative to Viagra.

Asparagus during pregnancy

Vegetable sprouts are a storehouse of folic acid, which is so necessary for pregnant women. A valuable vitamin received by a woman in sufficient quantities ensures the normal development of the fetus without pathologies of the nervous system and brain. All microelements from this product are absorbed 100%.

In addition to folic acid, asparagus is important during pregnancy because:

• superior to other vegetables in terms of vitamins and minerals;
• due to its diuretic properties it reduces swelling;
• magnesium stabilizes blood pressure and mood, relieves fatigue;
• fiber ensures good digestion.

If there is no individual intolerance to the vegetable, then it must be included in the diet during pregnancy.

Asparagus white and green

At different stages of development, the plant has different colors. White are those shoots that have not yet broken through from under the earthen clod. They develop without sunlight, and therefore do not have a bright color. The shoots begin to turn green only when they rise above the surface of the earth. White asparagus is the most useful and at the same time the most expensive, since it is more difficult to grow: the shoots must be constantly hilled.

Useful properties of white asparagus:

• has low calorie content;
• easy to digest;
• reduces the amount of sugar in the blood;
• slows down the aging process in the body;
• strengthens teeth and bones;
• returns healthy appearance to hair and nails.

White and green asparagus also differ in taste. The light vegetable has a neutral, delicate aftertaste, with a subtle nutty undertone. Green asparagus has a richer flavor. This variety remains crispy even after cooking. It tastes similar to young pods.

Benefits of pickled asparagus

Asparagus is a seasonal vegetable, so it is prepared for future use in various ways. Canned asparagus can easily be found in the supermarket. When pickled, asparagus retains its minerals (sodium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium). This method of processing does not reduce the amount of vitamins B and PP. Its calorie content does not exceed 15 kcal per 100g.

Pickled asparagus is an excellent ingredient for salads. It is recommended for use by hypertensive patients and those on a diet to improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Despite all the beneficial properties, asparagus also has contraindications. People with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and rheumatism should use this product with caution.

Asparagus in cooking

Most people prefer to cook the shoots, not knowing whether green asparagus can be eaten raw. In fact, the plant has virtually no contraindications. It is in its fresh form that it is the best option for treating various diseases.

In order for asparagus to bring maximum benefits, it should not be stored for more than two days from the date of purchase.

It should also be noted that raw asparagus is often added to smoothies or freshly squeezed fruit juices. The shoots can be chopped with other fruits or used to decorate a finished dish.

Young stems are prepared in a variety of ways. The simplest option is to boil it after preliminary cleaning. The shoots are covered with a hard skin; it must be carefully removed.
The boiled version is consumed as a side dish, an independent dish with vegetable oil or with mayonnaise-based sauces. Asparagus is a great addition to fish, meat, omelet, and seafood.
It goes well with all vegetables. Gourmets add it to fruit salads based on strawberries and grapefruit.

Basic methods of cooking asparagus:

• steaming;
• frying in a pan or on the grill;
• baking in the oven, possibly under a cheese coat;
• stewing with other vegetables (stew, sauté);
• in the form of regular soups or cream soup;
• as one of the ingredients of an omelet.

There are many culinary recipes with asparagus. The main rule: do not overheat it. Also, you should not add a lot of pepper, salt or other spices during cooking, so as not to interrupt your own taste and negate all its benefits.

As can be seen from the article, asparagus brings more benefits to the human body than harm. This is a plant that, when taken correctly, can improve health in the shortest possible time and saturate the body with all the necessary substances.

What are the benefits of asparagus - video

Asparagus, the photo of which demonstrates grace and decorativeness, is an unpretentious plant in terms of care.

A flower that resembles lace can often be found not only on the windowsills of city apartments, but also as decoration in office spaces, where it is usually placed by those who believe in signs that speak of its miraculous calming power.

Description of the plant

Asparagus (asparagus) is a perennial crop of the Asparagus family., some species of which are edible. The soft narrow leaves of an evergreen subshrub or vine are sometimes mistaken for needles, with which they have nothing in common. On herbaceous, highly branched shoots up to one and a half meters in length, there are scaly, underdeveloped leaves with hard spurs at the base. In the axils of the leaves sit numerous, collected in bunches, needle-shaped branches - cladodes. The rhizome is well developed and deeply buried in the soil.

Single flowers or collected in racemes or thyroid inflorescences develop in the axils of the leaves. After flowering is completed, small round fruits are formed with juicy pulp hidden under a thin skin. At home, flowering is a fairly rare occurrence, especially if you do not know how to care for asparagus correctly.

The natural habitat of the crop is extensive. Asparagus is found in various climatic zones and parts of the world: Europe, Asia, Africa, North America. In Central Russia, asparagus often cultivated as a houseplant, which, with proper care, forms dense thickets of bright greenery.

Carefully! Asparagus fruits are poisonous.

Varieties of tropical plant

Currently, there are more than 200 species of graceful perennial. This species diversity turns asparagus, a mix of which is very easy to create, into an indispensable plant for floristry. The following varieties are considered the most suitable for cultivation at home.

Pinnate asparagus or bristle-shaped asparagus (Asparagus plumosus)

A strongly branching subshrub, native to the tropical forests of Africa, with soft central shoots that have a slight bend, which gives the appearance a special decorative effect. The stems are covered with scaly leaves 0.5 cm long, in the axils of which groups of thread-like branches up to 1.5 cm develop.

Due to the lateral shoots located in the horizontal plane, a separate branch has a peculiar resemblance to a fern leaf. During flowering, which is practically not observed in apartment environments, single white flowers bloom.

Asparagus benuissimus

The species is very similar to the previous one, differing only in the structural features of the cladodes: they are thinner, elongated and located much less frequently.

Sprenger's asparagus (Asparagus sprengeri), also known as dense-flowered asparagus

Evergreen creeping perennial, living wild on the slopes of the mountains of the southern African region. The bare stems, reaching a length of 1.5 m, are covered with scale-like leaves up to 4 mm, surrounding groups of 3-4 slightly curved cladodes 3 cm long.

Flowering is observed when pink or white fragrant flowers bloom, collected in shield inflorescences. The species has characteristic round red fruits. In the literature it is often found under the name Ethiopian asparagus.

Meyer's asparagus (Asparagus meyeri)

View with single shoots half a meter tall, which are very densely covered with phyllocladies developing in different directions. The appearance of an individual shoot is similar to a fluffy brush.

Crescent asparagus (Asparagus falcatus)

Liana-like representative crops with lignified stems covered with thorns, reaching in the natural environment 15 m in length with a diameter of 1 cm. The formations in the form of thorns allow it to climb support without any problems. This asparagus, which is easy to care for at home, has shoots with a maximum length of 4 m.

In the upper part of the lateral shoots, covered with scaly, undeveloped leaves, dark green crescent-shaped cladodes up to 10 cm in length develop. The perennial has good pruning tolerance. When flowering, it forms racemose inflorescences consisting of small cream-colored flowers.

Asparagus racemosus

Subshrub with climbing shoots, the length of which reaches 2 m. The name is due to the brush-shaped inflorescences, consisting of bright pink flowers with a characteristic aroma.

Asparagus medeoloides

The liana is distinguished by its tall growth and very strong branching with evergreen cladodes. The peculiarity of the shoots after cutting to remain fresh for a long time without water has determined its popularity among florists.

Asparagus pyramidalis

Subshrub with vertically growing shoots up to 1.5 m tall. The shoots are densely covered with short cladodes, so that from a distance the plant can be mistaken for a juniper.

Asparagus asparagoides

A beautiful climbing perennial with stems 3 m long, which are covered with bunches of cladodes up to 3 cm.

In addition to cultivation in an apartment environment, the following species are suitable for cultivation in open ground for regions with a temperate continental climate:

• • Common asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) or medicinal asparagus is a representative of North Africa that thrives in temperate climates and is therefore known as garden asparagus. It has smooth stems up to 1.5 in height, which are covered with thread-like cladodes, collected in bunches of 4-6 pieces. White-yellow flowers are observed both on the stem and on the side shoots.

• Green asparagus, also known as edible asparagus- a highly branched plant, rich in microelements and vitamins, with a powerful rhizome and underdeveloped leaves. Asparagus shoots are eaten fresh and for preparing a variety of dishes.

Caring for asparagus at home

To get your houseplant to bloom and produce lush, vibrant greenery, you need to provide proper care for your asparagus.

Direct rays have a negative effect on the plant: in its natural environment, the crop grows in tropical forests in the shade of tree crowns.

To create optimal conditions, flower pots are placed on window sills on the east or west side of the house or in the back of the room, where southern sun rays penetrate.

Temperature

If good lighting is provided, then it is enough to create a temperature regime ranging from 20 to 24°C. With the onset of the hot summer season, the plant is transferred to fresh air in a place where there is shelter from the scorching sun and drafts.

In the winter season, it is enough to maintain a temperature of 10°C, which will prevent the shoots from stretching due to the short daylight hours.

Advice! If it is not possible to take the flower outside, regular ventilation should be organized.

Humidity

For normal development, the perennial does not need a high level of humidity, but will appreciate systematic water procedures: spraying, bathing in the shower.

Evergreen asparagus needs frequent and abundant moistening with settled water.

The soil must be constantly moist However, stagnation of water should not be allowed.

With the arrival of autumn, watering is reduced to avoid the development of fungal diseases.

Attention! As a result of a lack of fluid, asparagus may drop its leaves.

Top dressing

Fertilizers in the form of a solution of complex mineral components for ornamental plants are applied under the flower only in the active growth phase - from mid-spring to mid-autumn. Liquid nutrition is carried out along with watering twice a month.

Trimming

Due to the specific development of perennials, pruning of most species to form a crown is not carried out: the sprout develops from an underground bud, therefore, when the stem is pruned, the formation of lateral shoots and cladodes stops, and a new bud is formed. Only crescent asparagus tolerates shearing well.

Advice! If the bush is old, then you can carry out sanitary pruning by removing dry shoots.

Asparagus: transplant

Due to the rapid development of rhizomes and shoots, the plant needs annual replanting. The optimal time of year for the procedure is early spring, when:

• The rhizome is removed from the container, after which some of the roots and old shoots are cut off.
• Before preparing a soil mixture of sand, leaf and turf soil in equal parts, select a spacious pot.

Any soil from the store is suitable for asparagus, or you can prepare it yourself. You need to take two quarters of humus, one quarter of leaf soil and one quarter of river sand.

Attention! If the asparagus container is too tight, it may burst under the pressure created by the growing rhizome.

This video shows in detail how to replant asparagus, and also contains many tips for caring for it:

Bloom

When growing asparagus at home, it is almost impossible to see it blooming. If this happens, the decorativeness of the flowering plant will still be inferior to the openwork shoots of the flower. When flowering, using a brush, you can carry out artificial pollination, which will allow you to get fruits.

Important! Due to the poisonous berries, fruiting specimens should not be kept in places where children or animals may come into contact with the flower.

Protection from diseases and pests

Asparagus is a disease and pest resistant crop. However, with prolonged stagnation of water and a large drop in temperature, the perennial can be affected by root rot, caused by a fungus.

Among the pests is the spider mite, whose attacks are associated with low humidity and heat. Often, as a control measure, the flower is rinsed with warm water up to 45°C. If bathing does not help, treatment is carried out with insecticidal preparations according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Asparagus propagation

Uses of asparagus

Asparagus is used in various areas of life:

• • Floristics. The airy carved greenery has made the flower popular not only among flower growers, but also florists, whose compositions often include branches of the plant: asparagus tripherna is often used to decorate bouquets.

• Cooking. Three types of asparagus (white, green and purple) are used as food and are rich in micronutrients and vitamins. The most common and easily accessible is green asparagus, without which some culinary recipes cannot be implemented.
• ethnoscience. The beneficial properties of this flower are not limited to purifying the air and enriching it with phytoncides. The perennial has medicinal qualities that can fight gout, liver diseases and other ailments, having sedative, analgesic, vasodilating, diuretic, and blood purifying effects.

Advice! Do not forget that no matter how undeniable the benefits are, there are also harms from using the plant. In some cases, asparagus can act as an allergen.

Thus, due to the unpretentiousness of the perennial and its high decorative value, asparagus is popular among lovers of tropical flora.

Spectacular hanging plants such as robot asparagus or Abu Dhabi asparagus with graceful cascading stems will add coziness to any room, adding bright colors of greenery to the interior.

Asparagus is popular in European countries; it has been grown since antiquity and is considered a delicacy. Things are happening completely differently in Russia. Many Russians don’t even know what asparagus looks like, what kind of vegetable it is, how to choose it, cook it and store it properly. Information about this will be useful to every housewife.

Common asparagus or asparagus is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asparagus family. The bush is semi-spreading, reaches a height of 0.3-1.6 m. Asparagus has a horizontally located powerful rhizome, from which thick white roots extend. The stems are straight, smooth, with many branches set obliquely and upward. Thin and narrow leaves look somewhat like pine needles.

Asparagus blooms in May-June with white-yellow small bell-shaped funnel-shaped flowers located on all branches. In August, asparagus fruits ripen - inedible spherical berries approximately 0.8 cm in diameter. They are painted red brick and look like rowan berries. They contain 1-2 seeds, which remain suitable for reproduction for 5-6 years.

Young spring shoots that come from the asparagus rhizome are of nutritional value. They are smooth, at the top they have tightly pressed scales with a spur. Shoots are considered one of the most delicious and healthy delicacies and are valued by gourmets along with truffles and artichokes, and therefore are not cheap.

The bush forms edible shoots starting from 3-4 years of its life. They are harvested when they reach a height of 15-20 cm and the leaf buds have not yet blossomed. The sprouts are cut from the depth of the bed and quickly packed, as they quickly wither. Blooming shoots are used to decorate flower bouquets.

Where does asparagus grow?

Asparagus grows wild almost all over the world; there are about 100 species. The homeland of cultivated asparagus officinalis is the Mediterranean coast. It began to be grown first in Italy, then it spread to nearby European countries. Now this crop is grown not only in Europe, but also in the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, North Africa, Asia Minor and Central Asia.

Wild asparagus in Russia and Ukraine grows mainly in areas located in temperate climates, but is also found in the Caucasus and Western Siberia. In cold regions, it takes root and overwinters well because its rhizomes can tolerate frosts down to -30 °C. But asparagus seedlings do not tolerate low temperatures well. Asparagus can be seen in forests, on grassy slopes and in the steppe. Cultivated asparagus has been grown in Russia since the 18th century, although it still remains a rare and unusual crop.

What kind of asparagus is there and how does it grow?

There are 3 varieties of cultivated asparagus - white, green and purple. They differ from each other not only in color, but in their chemical composition, pulp density and taste. They are also grown in different ways.

White

This is not a separate variety of asparagus, the white shoots are obtained by growing them without access to light, which is why they are chlorophyll-free and remain white. To do this, the asparagus is hilled up and covered with a dark film, the sprouts are completely underground the entire time they grow. As a result, white asparagus becomes more tender in both texture and taste. That is why it is highly valued as an incomparable delicacy, as well as by adherents of a healthy diet and vegetarians. White asparagus is popular in Italy, France and especially in Germany, where it is even customary to associate the arrival of spring with the appearance of young shoots of white asparagus on sale. The process of growing bleached asparagus is considered labor-intensive, which affects its price.

Green

This type of asparagus is not hilled; sunlight penetrates it unhindered, so it turns out green. It is tougher and brighter in taste, but it contains more vitamins and minerals, although it has long been believed that, on the contrary, white asparagus is healthier than green.

Green asparagus is very popular to grow and eat in the UK, in this country the climate is just right for its abundant growth. Asparagus is harvested in April-July. In England you can buy it in any store, and there are even special farms where you can collect asparagus shoots yourself.

Purple

This is a rare, but original variety of asparagus in its own way. It is obtained using French technology, the essence of which is to alternate periods of growing in the dark and in the light: at first asparagus grows underground, but when the sprouts break out, they acquire anthocyanin pigmentation. This method allows you to obtain dark-colored shoots, which also have a bitter taste. Interestingly, when cooked, purple asparagus turns into ordinary green.

Asparagus prefers sunny and windless areas, light and fertile soils filled with humus, neutral acidity. It is grown from seedlings, which take 2 years to obtain. For the winter they are covered with peat or compost. Asparagus can grow in one place for up to 20 years. The maximum yield can be obtained in the 6-12th year of use, then plant productivity decreases.

An important principle of growing asparagus is timely harvesting. Overexposure in the beds is not allowed: such shoots become rough and lose their consumer qualities.

How to choose and store correctly

The best asparagus shoots are thin, smooth, elastic, with tightly pressed scales. Their surface should be smooth, shiny and squeak a little when touched. Rough, limp and overripe shoots are no longer suitable for food. Asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time before cooking.

It so happens that this vegetable has not yet gained great popularity among us. It is quite accessible in stores, it is easy to prepare, and there are many recipes available. But again and again we prefer the more familiar tomatoes and cucumbers. Perhaps because we know nothing about these green roots? So, asparagus. What it is?

The same asparagus

Although asparagus is not very popular among us, it has been grown and used for various purposes (as food, as medicine, as a decoration for bouquets) for several thousand years. Surely you have seen a green sprig that looks like a Christmas tree in decorated bouquets. This is asparagus.

Its main features are seasonality and the need to eat fresh. It is not recommended to store asparagus in the refrigerator for more than 2 days. You can freeze asparagus, but preferably in its finished (boiled) form.

As a vegetable, asparagus, the photo of which you see below, comes in three varieties:

• Green. The most common, collected all year round.

• White. Harvested from March to June. Due to the laboriousness of collection and seasonality, it has a higher price, but its taste is more delicate than that of green.

• Purple. A rare variety with a specific and bitter taste. During cooking it changes color to green.

There is also the so-called Korean or What is it? This product (fuju, fuju, soy sticks) is made from and is not the vegetable we are considering.

What's good about asparagus?

1. Asparagus contains potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, vitamins A, B1, B2, B9, C, E, PP.
2. Asparagine lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart.
3. Coumarins improve the condition of blood vessels and blood clotting.
4. Saponins improve the secretion of glands, remove mucus from the bronchi and thin sputum.
5. Carotenes provide prevention of cancer.
6. makes the skin beautiful, prevents hair loss and graying.
7. Asparagus juice helps get rid of swelling and warts, and prevents the formation of cellulite.
8. It is believed that asparagus is a good aphrodisiac.

And this is not a complete list of its beneficial properties.

What's delicious here?

Some people don't understand why there is so much fuss about something as ordinary as asparagus. They know what it is. We bought it, prepared it, but didn’t find anything special in it. Most likely, the reason for the disappointment is that the cooking rules were not followed.

How at home, so as not to be disappointed in its taste?

First, the asparagus stalks are washed with cool water. Then you need to cut off the bottom part, about 1/3. At this point the color of the stem is usually a little lighter. Actually, you can eat this too, but the fact is that the lower part is quite tough, while the upper part is tender.

Next, asparagus can be boiled in water and steamed, fried in a frying pan, cooked in the microwave, but there is one important rule - it cannot be overheated. Otherwise, the asparagus will take on an unpleasant color and become too soft.

The second important rule: if you plan to eat asparagus cold, you should cool it quickly. For example, after cooking, rinse under running cold water.

In the microwave

Place 5-6 stalks on a microwave-safe plate, preferably rectangular. Add a couple of tablespoons of water. Cover the plate with cling film and make a small hole in it to allow steam to escape. Microwave the asparagus and set the timer for 2.5-3 minutes. Not worth it anymore. Of course, the longer you cook asparagus, the more tender it will be, but you're unlikely to like overcooked asparagus.

In a frying pan

Heat a frying pan, pour in vegetable oil (olive oil is good), add asparagus and fry over medium heat until it reaches the degree of softness you like. You can add spices.

In a saucepan

Boil water in a saucepan, add asparagus stalks and cook until soft. Once the asparagus is tender, drain the water. If you leave the stems in the water, they will overcook. cook for about 10-15 minutes, green - 5-8 minutes. It is better to arrange the stems in the pan so that the tops are not covered with water.

In a steamer

Everything is the same. Boil water, place asparagus in a special container and cook until softened.

Ideally, cooked asparagus should be slightly crispy. It can be consumed both as an independent dish (seasoned with melted butter or some sauce), and as a side dish, as well as as part of other dishes (soups, salads and even desserts).

Contraindications

Unfortunately, not everyone can eat asparagus. Avoid this vegetable in the following cases.

1. Stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as other serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Cystitis.
3. Rheumatism of the joints.
4. Prostatitis.
5. Individual intolerance.

So, we figured out a little where asparagus came from, what it is and why eat it. Now is the time to go to the kitchen, take out of the refrigerator an unfamiliar, but bought in an unclear impulse of the soul, an exotic vegetable, and make the usual home menu more varied and interesting.