Asparagus

Asparagus season

Asparagus is a springtime vegetable which is sold on markets during April until June.

Nutritional value of asparagus

An excellent diuretic, asparagus only has 25 kilocalories per 100 grammes and contains a wide range of minerals (potassium, phosphorous, magnesium...).

Asparagus varieties

There are three main categories of asparagus:

• white asparagus, which is harvested while it is still underground;
• violet asparagus, harvested when it has emerged a few centimetres;
• green asparagus, of which about fifteen centimetres have sprouted from the ground.

Choosing asparagus

Choose fresh, straight asparagus with a snugly closed bud, a slightly brilliant heel end and an undamaged and brittle stem. Peel the asparagus to remove the hard skin.