What is Asparagus?

It's a fern like plant with a large root crown that sits deep in the soil and sends up shoots through the soil surface.

How Healthy is Asparagus?

Asparagus offers some extroidinary health benefits. Just seven spears can provide nearly 70% of the recommended daily amount of the B vitamin folate. Folate is an important vitamin for women planning to become pregnant because it helps reduce the risk of neural tubes such as spina bifida. Folate has also been linked with reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Where and When is it grown?

The UK season runs from early May through to the end of June.

During the rest of the year, asparagus is imported from Peru, Chile and Spain.

How is it Grown and Harvested?

Asparagus crowns are planted below the ground for two years prior to the first harvest, and can last up to 15 years.

Once the shoots are approx. 20cm above the ground, they are cut by hand.

UK asparagus is generally targeted to be in stores within 48 hours of harvesting.

Enjoying Asparagus

Asparagus has been hailed as a gourmet vegetable, enjoyed steamed, fried, grilled or even in the oven.

Cooking times are very quick and easy, taking only a few minutes to prepare. Perhaps the simplest way is the best way to enjoy the vegetable - lightly steamed with butter or a drizzle of olive oil.

Asparagus