☺ Asparagus ☺

☺ FUN FACTS! ☺Asparagus

Did you know… ☺ Did you know asparagus originated 2500 years ago in Greece?☺ Did you know the name asparagus is a Greek word meaning

stalk or shoot?☺ Did you know the Greeks and Romans believed asparagus had

medicinal powers that could cure toothaches and prevent bee stings?☺ Did you know asparagus can be green, white or purple in

color?☺ Did you know green asparagus is the most common variety in

the U.S.? ☺ Did you know asparagus is a spring vegetable and the its peak

season is April and May?☺ Did you know it takes 3 years before asparagus can be

cultivated or picked for eating?☺ Did you know asparagus grows best in sandy, well-drained

soil?☺ Did you know the asparagus root is called the crown?☺ Did you know asparagus will produce several times during the

season? (Early in the season you may need to cut the asparagus every 4 to 5 days. As the days get warmer, asparagus may need to be picked every 24 hours!)☺ Did you know asparagus is picked when it is 8 to 10 inches in

height?☺ Did you know asparagus looks like a tree with tight buds at the

top?☺ Did you know after asparagus is done producing, the spears

grow into feathery ferns?☺ Did you know once asparagus is planted it will continue to

reproduce for about 15 years without the need for replanting? ☺ Did you know asparagus is a great source of folacin or vitamin

B9? (Folacin is necessary for blood cell formation, growth and prevention of liver disease.)☺ Did you know asparagus is also a good source of potassium

and vitamins A and C?☺ Did you know asparagus can be cooked in many ways ---

roasted,

grilled, steamed, boiled or fried?☺ Did you know asparagus can be eaten raw, but most prefer it

cooked?☺ Did you know asparagus will make your pee smell funny?

(As asparagus is digested the amino acids breakdown producing a sulfur containing product that causes the unusual smell.)

Remember … Eat more fruits and vegetables everyday!