Asparagus
Classification
Kingdom: Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Liliopsida – Monocotyledons
Subclass: Liliidae
Order: Liliales
Family: Liliaceae – Lily family
Genus: 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
Cultivation
Climate: grows well in mild to
cold climates and withstands
frost
Location: Needs full sun to grow
Soil: Well drained, sandy with a
pH of 6.5-7.0
Planting: dig trenches 10” wide,
8” deep
Harvesting: 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#Medicin
al
• http://www.howtogardenadvice.com/vegetables
/grow_asparagus.html
• http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetablesand-vegetable-products/2316/2
• http://plants.usda.gov/java/ClassificationServlet?
source=display&classid=ASPAR
• http://nutrition.indobase.com/articles/asparagus
-nutrition.php