Asparagus - useful properties, types, composition and application features

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Useful properties of asparagus have been known since antiquity. It is perfect for a he althy diet, inclusion in the diet of children. Unfortunately, asparagus has become more widespread in Europe than in Russia. It is for this reason that she is a rare guest on our tables. But this is a fundamentally wrong position that needs to be changed.

History of asparagus

The use of this plant began three thousand years ago. And this is not an unfounded statement, but supported by drawings of asparagus found on the lids of sarcophagi. The Egyptians revered asparagus, considering it divine. In their opinion, the plant influenced the continuation of the human race.

In ancient Greece, they did not lag behind and also involved asparagus in myths and legends. Without her, they did not worship Athena, the goddess of fertility and love. Asparagus was put in the bed of the newlyweds, believing that this would help the couple's fertility.

And only in ancient Rome did asparagus cease to be only a ritual attribute, but began to be used as food. Since that moment, asparagus has acquired the status of an imperial vegetable. And to make the vegetable completely inaccessible to commoners, the Roman emperor Diocletian issued a decree in which he banned the sale of asparagus in the markets.

Only in the fifteenth century, this plant appeared in Europe. France and Germany were the first to know what it was. But in the Middle Ages, the open sale of asparagus in the markets was also banned throughout Europe. Now, as if in protest of the former discrimination against asparagus, thematic festivals are held.

Origin and cultivation

The asparagus family is quite extensive, there are decorative indoor and garden species. It is asparagus that is used for food. Only young shoots are suitable for eating, they are considered a special delicacy because they have the most delicate taste.

Asparagus belongs to perennial plants, it is covered with a large number of needles, which creates a deceptive impression of fluffiness and delicacy. Buds appear from the central part of a powerful root system in the spring, from which shoots grow.

The older the asparagus, the tougher and more inedible it becomes. Asparagus can live from fifteen to twenty years. Easily tolerates frosts, but they are undesirable for young shoots. They hatch early and in the middle of spring they already give the first harvest.

Grows where the climate is temperate. These are Australia, North America, North Africa and a large part of Europe and Asia. New Zealanders try to cultivate asparagus.

Wild plant can be found among the bushes, fields, meadows, steppes.

It doesn't take much effort to grow asparagus. But specific care is needed. And of course, patience, because it will be possible to enjoy asparagus not earlier than in three years. Before disembarking, you need to make sure that the site is goodlight access. As a rule, already germinated seeds are planted, fertilized, irrigated and covered from frost. This is done for several years in a row until the tubers are strengthened. From the moment of strengthening, asparagus bears fruit and grows for twenty or more years.

What is asparagus made of?

This plant is very loved by nutritionists for its easy digestibility and meager calorie content. The he alth benefits of asparagus have been well known to doctors since ancient times.

It contains a huge amount of vitamins B, C, A, E. Quite a rich composition of minerals contained. Asparagus is rich in iron, zinc, magnesium and other minerals. If you include it in the diet of losing weight, it will greatly speed up and simplify the process. After all, the calorie content is only 22 calories per 100 grams. Asparagus has a lot of fiber - 1.5 grams, which, in turn, normalizes bowel function.

Useful and harmful properties of asparagus

Currently, at least one hundred species of asparagus are edible and beneficial to humans in their own way.

The useful properties of asparagus include the following:

• High in folic acid. Based on this, it is recommended for pregnant women. For children with developmental defects, experts also advise including asparagus in the diet. Folic acid is no less effective for chronic fatigue.
• The presence of aspartic acid, which stimulates the excretion of urine. With urolithiasis, it has a therapeutic effect.
• Coarse dietary fiber helps digestion of food, less gas formation, normalizes microfloraintestines.
• Reduces blood cholesterol and optimizes fat metabolism due to saponins.
• Thanks to carotenes, it has a beneficial effect on vision and reduces the risk of developing oncology.
• Improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system due to coumarin, which has an effect on the walls of blood vessels. Iron and potassium perform the same function.
• Antioxidants found in asparagus promote youth, disease protection.
• A large number of vitamins, the benefits for the human body of which everyone knows.
• Asparagus relieves hangovers and helps liver cells protect themselves from toxin poisoning.
• Useful properties of asparagus for women are also obvious - low calorie content.
• Asparagus juice is actively used by cosmetologists.

The harmful properties of asparagus

Everything is clear with the beneficial properties of asparagus. And this product also has contraindications. Which ones?

People who have no he alth problems, not only can, but should eat asparagus. But if there is a history of chronic diseases, then thoughtlessly eating this plant can harm the body.

Asparagus can only be introduced to the children's menu from the age of two.

Despite the fact that this plant has a healing effect on many ailments, it can also exacerbate other diseases. You need to carefully monitor the amount of asparagus in the diet or completely abandon it if you have at least one of these diseases:

• diabetes;
• cystitis;
• ulcers in the intestines and stomach;
• prostatitis;
• articular ailments.

No less important is the fact that asparagus has aphrodisiac properties. And in the event that this is an undesirable effect in some situation, it is better to refuse to use asparagus.

Awkward situation can also arise from excessive eating of asparagus. Symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, pain, nausea, are not dangerous for he alth and are only side effects.

If you are allergic to garlic or onions (onion or leek), then it is likely that you will also be allergic to asparagus.

If you have gout or kidney stones, you should also limit its use.

Asparagus increases the concentration of lithium in the human body, which can be harmful. This vegetable has good diuretic properties, so it is necessary to distinguish between eating with asparagus and taking drugs that also have a diuretic effect.

Approximately 40% of asparagus users notice the appearance of a specific body and urine odor. The fact is that sulfur is released, it is not dangerous for he alth.

Asparagus and pregnancy

Useful properties of asparagus have a beneficial effect on the child. But there is an important point - do not use any dietary supplements with asparagus extracts, because they can disrupt the hormonal background. Use is possible only as a food product.

During breastfeeding, it is better to refuse asparagus. It causes increased gas formation and can provoke colic in an infant.

Asparagus for men

Useful properties of the product extend to potency and sexual desire. Asparagus also relieves hangovers.

What kind of asparagus is there?

Several types of asparagus are particularly common:

Green asparagus. Its beneficial properties are more pronounced compared to other species, and it also has a more piquant taste. The green color of the shoots confirms the presence of chlorophyll, which supplies the body with oxygen

Red asparagus is a rather exotic product for real gourmets. Its interesting feature is that during cooking it changes color from red to green. Has a bitter taste

White asparagus. At one time, scientists considered it the most useful variety, but then this misconception was dispelled. White asparagus is considered the food of aristocrats

Soya asparagus

Somehow, there is an opinion that soybean asparagus and asparagus plant are one and the same. This is not true. Fuzhu (soy asparagus) is a kind of semi-finished protein that is very common in Japan and China. In fact, this is a film that appears on top of soy milk. Dry soy asparagus is left in water until soaked and used to make side dishes and snacks. It must be remembered that the beneficial properties of soy asparagus and plants are different.

Soybean variety of asparagus can affect the thyroid gland, sexual development, harm ulcers.

There is an optioncooking asparagus in Korean. Its useful properties are not particularly pronounced, but the taste is very worthy

The basis of this dish is semi-finished soy. It is soaked and added with characteristic hot spices and vegetables. After that, insist during the night, and then use.

How to choose and save?

When choosing, the most important thing is how the asparagus looks. Sluggish stems indicate that the plant was not properly stored. And if asparagus is on the counter without a low tide, it means that this plant is unhe althy. The creak when rubbing the leaves together indicates the quality of the product.

Asparagus keeps in the refrigerator for two days.

What is the best way to use asparagus?

In any form, this plant is useful. Be it dried, raw or pickled asparagus. She also has useful properties, but is strictly prohibited for people with a sick stomach. But if there are no such problems, then such asparagus is very convenient to use, and it helps out when you urgently need to set the table.

Dried asparagus is perfect for Korean salads. It retains all the usefulness that was in a fresh vegetable, and its appearance. Despite all these positive aspects, you still need to observe moderation in the use of asparagus.

The best combination of taste and useful properties is baked asparagus. With the addition of sauce, asparagus becomes a complete, nutritious meal.

How to cook?

The most important wisdom in cooking is that the asparagus does not lose its color. It can be addedin almost all dishes, because the combination with any other product will be delicious.

Blanching asparagus is the easiest way to cook. The thick part of the plant is cut off, and it is boiled for four minutes in boiling water. The benefits of asparagus do not disappear, and the taste becomes tender and juicy.

Asparagus can be baked. For an unforgettable taste, it is enough to lay the washed asparagus on a baking sheet and sprinkle with grated parmesan. In addition, serve egg yolk sauce or lemon sauce.

Asparagus is also boiled. First, the stems are tied into a bundle and lowered into boiling water so that they stand. It turns out that tops are cooked in a steam way, because they look out of the water. No matter how strange it may be, but this way the vegetable turns out to be evenly cooked, because the stems take longer to cook. Adding lemon juice can improve the taste.

In order for asparagus to remain crisp and not lose color, it is necessary to lower the vegetable in ice water for a few seconds after cooking. Then the taste of this plant will not leave anyone indifferent.