8 years ago
What you might not know about asparagus
Asparagus is one of our favorite green vegetables. Simple oven-roasted asparagus with a sprinkle of freshly-grated Parmesan cheese makes a wonderful side dish for any meal.
Looking for more ways to serve asparagus? Try this
easy appetizer, or check out these delicious
asparagus recipe ideas we’ve rounded up on Pinterest.
Asparagus is a good source of Vitamins C and K, folate and iron. Asparagus is also naturally fat and cholesterol free and low in sodium.
Here are some other surprising facts about this nutrient-rich veggie:
- Asparagus is a member of the lily family.
- Asparagus spears grow from a crown that is planted about a foot deep in sandy soils.
- Under ideal conditions, an asparagus spear can grow 10” in a 24-hour period.
- The outdoor temperature determines how much time will be between each picking. Early in the season, there may be 4-5 days between pickings and as the days and nights get warmer, a particular field may have to be picked every 24 hours.
- After harvesting is done, the spears grow into ferns, which produce red berries and the food and nutrients necessary for a healthy and productive crop the next season.
- An asparagus planting is usually not harvested for the first 3 years after the crowns are planted, allowing the crown to develop a strong fibrous root system.
- A well cared for asparagus planting will generally produce for about 15 years without being replanted.
- The larger the diameter, the better the quality!
Look for asparagus year-round in our produce department.
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