1. How it all began - Chinese appreciated asparagus more
than 5000 years ago. They used them mainly as a remedy for coughs and bladder
problems. The asparagus as a delicious ingredient among the first to start
enjoying were Romans. Then in Europe mainly were forgotten until they are in
the 18th century remembered by Louis XIV.
2. Types of Asparagus - There are nearly 300 different types
of asparagus but only 20 species are edible. Most of them are green, but popular
are also yellow asparagus that grow below ground and are sold in cans. White
asparagus have nutty-sweet top and bitter stem. Green asparagus are aromatic
and they do not need to be peeled. There are also pink asparagus that are high
in sugar.
3. How to identify fresh asparagus - Asparagus quickly lose
their freshness for which it is best to buy from local producers. Places where they
are cut should be moist and glistening. The stems must be robust and resistant
to bending and asparagus in general should not smell sour.
4. Asparagus Season - Asparagus is best in the spring.
Harvesting begins in March and April and can last until July. Since white
asparagus seek solely heat (sun is not necessary because they grow
underground), they are grown mainly in heated, controlled conditions.
5. Asparagus in the kitchen - Asparagus can be cooked,
prepared on steam or grilled, fried or baked in the oven. They can even be
eaten raw, although the distinctive flavor is released only at high
temperatures. Fresh asparagus consist primarily of water (93%) and in 100 gr is
just 20 calories. The asparagus also contains important vitamins and minerals
such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, E and folic acid.
Green asparagus are healthier than white.
6. Asparagus as a medicine and aphrodisiac - It is known
that the asparagus as a drug were used by most famous ancient physician
Hippocrates and Dioscorides, a physician in the army of the Roman Emperor Nero.
Asparagus were used for treating jaundice, and as a laxative and diuretic. Role
in medicine was lost somewhere in the 19th century, but they are still one of
the best known natural aphrodisiacs.
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