Asparagus has amazing properties and growing it is very easy. Despite the delicate structure of leaves, asparagus can withstand frosts down to -30, while retaining all their useful properties. There is an opinion that asparagus in cream sauce was a favorite dish of Julius Caesar.
Asparagus is used not only in cooking. Florists decorate it flowers, after all, pointed shoots with flowers look very unusual and elegant.
There are several types of asparagus which can be eaten. The most delicious – white: it is gentle in taste and has high nutritional value.
And more popular is green asparagus, which contains chlorophyll because it is considered more useful than white. Chlorophyll oxygenates the skin, prevents aging, increases body tone. Its taste is more grassy, not with proper preparation remains crisp and retains all its vitamins.
Also available purple asparagus, the taste that is felt a delicate bitterness.
Useful properties of asparagus
- Asparagus belongs to the category of dietary products. It contains a lot of water, can reduce blood pressure, expand blood vessels, a beneficial effect on the heart.
- Asparagus is used as a prophylactic in diseases of the liver and vision problems.
- It is useful for pregnant women because it contains a lot of folic acids, vitamin PP and helps the fetus to develop harmoniously.
- Asparagus is useful for the skeletal system and connective tissues of our body.
You should be careful with the use of asparagus for those who suffer from diseases of the genitourinary system, kidneys, stomach, and intestines, as this product has a diuretic effect.
How to choose asparagus?
To fully enjoy the flavor and structure of asparagus, you should pay attention to the age of the shoots. They don’t have to be old, otherwise, the dish will turn out tough and tasteless. The stems should be firm and smooth, with a little creak. The thinner the stems, the asparagus is younger and more tender taste. The tops of the stems must be sealed. The young asparagus has no smell.
What to cook with asparagus
Spaghetti with asparagus is a great dish for everyday lunch or dinner that is done in haste. A soup with asparagus and mushrooms seem gourmet special, it is just adorable! A new look at buckwheat dishes – risotto made from buckwheat and asparagus, healthy and delicious.
More about asparagus health benefits and harms read in our big article:
Asparagus – greens description. Benefits and harm to human health