Friday, May 29, 2009

Live it with the Healthy Asparagus

By Mara Hernandez-Capili

Asparagus is a flowering plant in the genus Asparagus which the vegetable known as asparagus came from. It is an international cultured crop. Only the shoots of the asparagus is safe to eat. The shoots may be served in many different ways.

Stir Fried and grilled are usually the best way to serve asparagus. In Asia asparagus are mostly stir fried, In the US grilled asparagus is mostly known. Asparagus is also used in stews and soups. In France, it is often boiled or steamed and served with hollandaise sauce, melted butter or olive oil, Parmesan cheese or mayonnaise. It may even be served as a dessert.

Asparagus is eaten worldwide. Due to the popularity of it, makes it less of a delicacy than it was before. However, in some European countries that have a short growing season, asparagus remains a highlight food. Northern Europe considers white asparagus as "white gold" for its rareness. Asparagus has a short season you can only find them from April to June and they are a bit pricey for they are harvested by hands.

Asparagus also helps in preventing multiple sclerosis and scurvy. Lastly; it has been known that asparagus increases the success rate of chemo therapy. There are lots of benefits that asparagus can give. It is rich in vitamin K and folate, Asparagus is rich in folic acid that helps lessen birth defects during pregnancy. It is good for the heart; it helps in maintaining good blood circulation. Another is that, asparagus helps reduce the feeling of depression and stress.

Asparagus festival is a three day fest; the festival promotes the benefits of asparagus. Also, Asparagus Festival implies that asparagus is one of nature's perfect foods. Asparagus Festival also seeks to encourage the production and consumption of asparagus. It also teaches the people about asparagus cultivation and agricultural study. Asparagus Festival celebrates the copious harvest.

About the Author:

No comments: