Asparagus – Erakina

Asparagus or asparagus Officinalis is a vegetable that looks like a war spear that has many nutritional values. The vegetable is famous from the ages of Egypt and Rome and they are mentioned in their art inscription. Asparagus belongs to the family of Liliaceae and its origin is believed to be in Eastern Mediterranean and further east and Asia minor. Archeologists believe it is founded in Egypt. Let’s see how asparagus grows and the medicinal qualities that it has.

Planting an Asparagus:

Asparagus vegetable in a coffee mug

Asparagus vegetables are first started by the seeds. The seed is soaked for around 10 to 12 hours. Then it should be transferred to paper tissue and spray little water on it for moisture. The paper should be kept in an undisturbed place for 17-20 days. After that, the seed started its germination. Then the germinated seeds can be placed in a pot and after a week or two, we can able to see the small stem growth of the plant, and then we can further grow it in a large space. Farmers usually dig a small trench of 18 inches in past, but using today’s technology they can dig to 12 inches for preparing the land. To speed up the process by using the asparagus crown which is obtained by the seed germination process. It will take around 2-3 years for the vegetable to grow to its maturity. The asparagus crown is used by the farmers for growing the plant. They place the crown under the trench with sufficient space between them and they are closed with mud and irrigated. The plants require sunny and well-drained soil for good results. These plants are planted in Spring and some will grow in autumn with safety measures. After the irrigation process farmers have to wait for a time period of 2-3 years to harvest the vegetable. Farmers use a tool called an asparagus knife that looks thin and is specially designed for harvesting it faster. Some people have it raw and cooked. It gives a sweet and bitter mixed taste with juicy liquids.

Medicinal qualities:

A cooked asparagus on a plate

As the plant takes a long time to grow it makes it worth it. A 1 cup cooked asparagus has 40 calories, 4 grams of protein, and 400 milligrams of potassium. Potassium is used in lowering blood pressure and it is helpful in the blood flow in our system. The folate content in asparagus plays an effective role in cell development. And it also helps in reducing depression, stroke, etc. The fiber content in asparagus is useful in diet planning and reducing weight and controlling blood sugar. Asparagus is rich in antioxidants.  Fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, are useful in maintaining a perfect heart. A cup of asparagus has around 10 percent of fiber that a person requires in his daily life. Antioxidants are helpful in reducing the free radicals of our body which causes damage to cells and the heart. 

Phosphorus, iron, vitamin k, and calcium are useful in maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. The antioxidants in it can prevent cell damage and helps to prevent cancer. The fiber content is useful for digestion, reduces constipation, and helps in healthy bowel moments.

Despite the above-mentioned asparagus containing nutritional values like choline, zinc, manganese, vitamin C E &A, betaine, carbohydrate, lutein, and zeaxanthin. It can be added to a diet schedule as per the doctor’s opinion. People with certain health conditions can avoid asparagus because it can able to affect the medication that they take. Like blood thinners, it can be allergic to some, etc. 

Asparagus is easy to cook and it can be adaptable to all food recipes. So let’s eat tasty and healthy foods and lead a perfect life.

By Mukesh Kumar U M

08/02/2022