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Asparagus
Classification
Kingdom: Plantae – PlantsSubkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plantsSuperdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plantsDivision: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plantsClass: Liliopsida – MonocotyledonsSubclass: LiliidaeOrder: LilialesFamily: Liliaceae – Lily familyGenus: Asparagus L. Species: A. officinalis
Location
• Asparagus is grown around the world with the top producers being China followed by Peru, and Germany
• The plant is indigenous to the Western coasts of Europe
Morphology • Herbaceous perennial plant can grow 2-7 feet tall
• Flowers are bell shaped with six tepal fused together at the base
• “leaves” are needle-like cladodes (modified stems)
• Roots system is adventitious
• Fruit is a small red berry
Berries and Flowers
CultivationClimate: grows well in mild to cold climates and withstands frostLocation: Needs full sun to growSoil: Well drained, sandy with a pH of 6.5-7.0Planting: dig trenches 10” wide, 8” deepHarvesting: Harvest in early spring starting after the third year. Harvest by cutting just below the soil level making sure not to damage new shoots
Plant Uses
• It’s served in a number of ways around the world, typically as an appetizer or vegetable side dish. It’s also commonly used in stir-fry.
• The amino acid asparagine gets its name from asparagus because the plants contain high amounts of the amino acid.
• This food is very low in cholesterol and sodium, and it contains high levels of vitamins and minerals.
Serving Size = 1 Cup
• Fights Diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's: antioxidant called glutathione (GSH)
• Relieves Arthritis: contains a phytochemical, which produces anti-inflammatory effects
• Controls Diabetes: has minerals that are essential for controlling blood sugar
• Prevents Birth Defects: foliate help protect against neural tube defects
• Maintains Digestive system: contains inulin, which feeds natural bacteria living in the intestine
References
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asparagus#Medicinal
• http://www.howtogardenadvice.com/vegetables/grow_asparagus.html
• http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2316/2
• http://plants.usda.gov/java/ClassificationServlet?source=display&classid=ASPAR
• http://nutrition.indobase.com/articles/asparagus-nutrition.php