Norfolk News “stalk” tip – Buy Asparagus!
Posted: September 1, 2017
Categories: GoodFoodBites / News from Sustain Members
Asparagus – in season now!
Among the tasty local produce popping up in markets and stores, a sure sign that summer has begun is a fresh crop of Ontario asparagus. It’s a busy time of year for the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario, this Sustain Ontario member supports growers across the province and provides great information to consumers. So as you prepare to get a taste of the season’s first asparagus, consider these fun facts shared by AFO.
What is asparagus?
- Asparagus officinalis is a spring vegetable and an herbaceous perennial native to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor area
- It is a member of the Lily family that includes onions, garlic, leeks, and gladioli.
- Under ideal weather conditions, an asparagus shoot, or “spear”, can grow 25 cm (10″) in a 24-hour period.
- Asparagus is a long-lived crop that can be productive for 15 or more years if given proper care.
Is asparagus good for me?
Absolutely! Asparagus is rich in rutin, a powerful antioxidant. It is a good source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K calcium, magnesium and zinc, as well as dietary fibre, protein, beta-carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, rutin, niacin, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and selenium.
Why does asparagus make my pee stinky?
If you smell a funny fragrance in your urine after you eat asparagus, you’re not only normal, you have a good nose. The strong pungent odor is a result of sulfurous amino acids that are released during digestion. Only about one-quarter of the population appears to have the special gene that allows them to smell those compounds, so the issue isn’t whether or not your pee is smelly – it’s whether you’re able to smell it!**
How to cook it.
Steamed or sauteed with a little butter or olive oil works just fine, but if you want to be a bit more creative with your spears, consider six asparagus recipes featured on CTV Canada am recently.
You can also check out this wonderful guide to cooking asparagus by Lita Watson called How to Cook Asparagus: A Definite Guide For Beginner
Where to buy it.
Canada is the world’s 16th largest producer of asparagus.** In 2015, Ontario asparagus farmers produced 5,412 tonnes of marketed crop*** with Norfolk County being the province’s top producer. To find out where you can buy fresh asparagus in your area, visit the AFO’s Buy Local Map or follow the Norfolk County Asparagus Trail.
Sustain Ontario is pleased to partner with the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario and Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. at this year’s Queens Park Market during Local Food Week.
** Asparagus Farmers of Ontario
***OMAFRA