When Spring Arrives, The Asparagus Season Begins

May 12, 2021

Asparagus belongs to the Asparagaceae, there are 220 types of asparagus but most are not edible. It will brighten up your dishes between April and June. 

Depending on the harvest, they can be green, white or purple. In fact, purple asparagus is a very young asparagus, picked before its colour turns green. White asparagus, on the other hand, grows under a mound of earth and must be picked one by one. By the way, the largest producer of asparagus in Europe is Germany. 

Asparagus is a delicious and very healthy vegetable. It is full of nutrients such as vitamins C, K, B1, B2, E, magnesium, potassium, iron and copper. 

It contains 92% water and only 25 calories per 100 g. This makes it perfect for those who want to watch their weight without neglecting their taste buds. It also has diuretic properties. The best way to preserve all these virtues is to steam them.

FUN FACT, the particular smell of our urine after eating asparagus is caused by a chemical reaction during digestion. An enzyme breaks down the asparagus into several molecules, including methanethiol. This molecule is part of the same family as the substance skunks make to ward off their enemies. If you don’t smell it in your urine, don’t worry! According to a recent American study, 60% of adults are unable to detect this smell. The cause is thought to be genetic, but more studies are needed to better understand our sense of smell.