How many colors of asparagus are there?

How many colors of asparagus are there?

All three types of asparagus are available in spring, but their differences go far beyond just the color of the stalks. White and green asparagus differences include the texture, the flavor, the proper preparation, and perhaps the biggest difference of all, the growing method.

Is asparagus better thick or thin?

The vegetable's fiber is slightly more concentrated in thinner spears. Since thick and thin spears are both good bets, choose the size that best suits your cooking method. Thicker stalks are better for broiling and roasting because they will stand up to the intense dry heat that would quickly shrivel skinnier spears.

How many different types of asparagus are there?

While there are only 3 types of asparagus, green, purple and white, there are a handful of varieties to choose from. Whichever variety is grown will come back time and time again for up to 15 years or more, so when choosing a variety, make sure it's one you love.

How can you tell if asparagus is good?

Stalks should be firm but tender. Check the tips of the asparagus spears. For the main part, they should be closed tightly. A nice dark green or purple tinge on the tips is a good indication of quality.

Are purple asparagus good for you?

Purple asparagus is generally much shorter and tastes fruitier. … Asparagus is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free-radical damage. Asparagus is also a good source of B vitamins and copper, and provides 16 percent of your daily value of iron per cup.

Why is my asparagus turning purple?

Check the tips, which should be tightly closed and either dark green or purple. Discard any that are light in color, beginning to turn yellow or have begun to turn to seed. Look for wetness and slime, which is a sign the asparagus is past its prime. … Smell the asparagus to see if it has a bad odor.

Do you have to peel purple asparagus?

You'll want to peel the lower third of each spear since the purple variety have tougher outer skins than their green cousins. … Don't peel too far up or you'll lose the very reason you bought them in the first place, that color. But the color isn't the best part of purple asparagus. It's the taste.

What does it mean if asparagus is purple?

Purple asparagus (like Viola and Purple Passion) is sometimes available at farmers' markets. It is slightly sweeter and more tender than green asparagus and turns dark green when cooked because the purple pigment is destroyed by heat.

What is white asparagus called?

It's been called the 'vegetable of kings,' 'edible ivory,' or simply 'white gold.' It's white asparagus, and Germans have a veritable passion for the spring vegetable during its short growing season. Germans prefer white over green. Germans are absolutely crazy about asparagus, known here as Spargel.

Do you have to peel white asparagus?

White asparagus must be peeled, as the outside is fibrous and even woody at times. You can use a common vegetable peeler or an asparagus peeler. Make sure they are sharp. You may use a paring knife if you have nothing else, but you will have greater wastage.

Does white asparagus make your pee smell?

Scientists tell us that the asparagus-urine link all comes down to one chemical: asparagusic acid. Asparagusic acid, as the name implies, is (to our knowledge) only found in asparagus. … Asparagusic acid, on the other hand, isn't volatile, so asparagus itself doesn't convey the same rotten smell.

Does purple asparagus turn green cooked?

Note: Purple asparagus will turn green when cooked, so it's best used raw or cooked minimally to maintain its color.

How do I cook Aspargus?

It is the tips of asparagus they will begin to go bad first, which is also the most desirable part of the asparagus. The best way to tell if your asparagus is going bad is to look at the tips, they will begin to turn a very dark green (almost black) and when you touch them they will just mush between your fingers.

Do white and green asparagus taste the same?

Is There a Difference in Flavor? White asparagus has a more delicate flavor than green. While green asparagus is a bit grassy, white asparagus is sweeter and has just a hint of bitterness. This delicate flavor is perhaps why it's so prized in Europe.

What good is asparagus?

1. It's Loaded with Nutrients and Nutrition Benefits. Asparagus is a nutrient-packed vegetable. It is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells.

Do you need to trim asparagus?

Line up all of the spears in a row and slice off the ends all at once. You should cut right where the stalks turn from white into green. If you're still not convinced, do a side-by-side comparison with two asparagus stalks of the same length and size.

How do you grow purple asparagus?

Find an area in your garden where you can cultivate asparagus for many years. Choose an area with good drainage and preferably with light, sandy soil. Make sure that it is fully in the sun with at least 6 hours a day of sun exposure.