Asparagus is one of the most popular vegetables in Germany and is considered a delicacy in many countries around the world. In this country, the white asparagus is widespread. In addition, there are green asparagus and purple asparagus. Compared to its white and purple relatives, green asparagus is characterized by a more intense savory flavor. It is also a valuable and low-calorie source of vitamins and fiber. The green asparagus season usually lasts just over two months, from mid-April to the end of June.
Asparagus: green versus white
Asparagus varieties get their different colors from the way they are grown. For example, green asparagus grows in the sun. The sun’s rays produce the plant pigment chlorophyll, which turns the spears green. In contrast, white asparagus grows underground, which means it does not receive direct sunlight and remains white. Green asparagus differs from white asparagus not only in color. For example, the spears of green asparagus are thinner and have a finer skin, which is usually woody only in the lower third. The woody parts can be peeled before cooking, but peeling is sometimes not necessary with green asparagus. You can tell how woody the skin is by its color: if the lower part is noticeably lighter, it should be removed.
Green asparagus is healthy
Green asparagus is not only delicious, it is also particularly suitable for a figure-conscious diet. With a fat content of 0.1 grams per 100 grams and a water content of 93 percent, green asparagus comes in at just 18 calories. It is also rich in fiber, which stimulates digestion in a very natural way. Green asparagus has a diuretic effect and stimulates kidney function. By the way, not only the color is influenced by sunlight. Thanks to sunlight, green asparagus is richer in vitamin C and beta-carotene compared to the white variety. In addition, it contains vitamin K, vitamin E, as well as biotin. Green asparagus is also rich in magnesium, iron, copper and manganese. These minerals vitalize the cells and help with cell metabolism.
Caution with gout and renal insufficiency.
Due to its diuretic effect, asparagus is not good for people with renal insufficiency. In addition, it may aggravate symptoms in gout patients. Therefore, gout patients should clarify the consumption of asparagus with a doctor in advance. Incidentally, the very peculiar urine odor that can occur after eating asparagus is nothing unusual. Sulfur-containing decomposition products of the green asparagus are excreted through the urine, which in turn cause the unpleasant odor.
Tips for storage
Green asparagus keeps only two to three days after harvest. It is therefore recommended to buy directly from the producer. At home, asparagus should be wrapped in a damp kitchen towel and stored in the refrigerator. Green asparagus can also be stored in water, with only the lower ends of the spears placed in one to two inches of water and then stored in the refrigerator. Green asparagus, by the way, freezes well. To do this, peel and wash the spears. After drying them with a kitchen towel, they can be placed in plastic bags in the freezer. When thawing, the green asparagus loses its flavor and therefore should be cooked while still frozen.
Preparation of green asparagus
Fresh or frozen, green asparagus can be prepared in many ways depending on your taste. Cooked green asparagus is often eaten with hollandaise sauce and boiled potatoes. Depending on the thickness of the spears, cooking time for green asparagus is between five and eight minutes. In addition to half a teaspoon of salt, you can also add a pinch of sugar to the water; this will soften any bitterness it may contain. If you want to treat yourself to a side dish of asparagus with fish or meat, you can prepare the green asparagus in a pan. To do this, cut the spears into coarse pieces and fry them in hot oil for four minutes. To this add garlic, salt and pepper and let it sizzle for a few more minutes over low heat.
How to recognize fresh green asparagus?
The taste of green asparagus depends on its freshness. The following tips will help you when shopping:
- Fresh green asparagus is characterized by firm tips that may be slightly open. However, they should not have discoloration.
- If green asparagus has been harvested recently, a pleasant tasting liquid will come out when the cut ends are pressed.
- You can also rub the stalks together: Fresh green asparagus produces a squeaking sound.
