Asparagus Essay

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Asparagus The vegetable asparagus is a member of the lily family, which includes onions, garlic, leeks, turnips and gladioli. Asparagus is a perennial flowering plant that produces for several years. It has underground storage roots and compact stems called rhizomes. The roots store food and the rhizomes produce edible shoots or asparagus spears. If the spears are not harvested, they rapidly grow into a bush that resembles a fern. Asparagus is native to the East Mediterranean area. It comes in three main varieties: green, white, and purple. It has an extensive history, dating back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Asparagus has many culinary uses, it is produced in the United States, and is known as a nutrient powerhouse. Asparagus is a widely appreciated vegetable throughout the world. Asparagus, the vegetable, is an edible shoot or spear. At the top of the spear it contains small leaves that look like tightly packed scales. The asparagus comes in three varieties: green, white, and purple. The green asparagus is the most common and is grown in flat beds exposed to sunlight. Since the asparagus is exposed to the sun it develops chlorophyll which provides it with the deep green color. White asparagus is grown covered in soil, not exposed to the sunlight, therefore lacking chlorophyll and the deep green color. The purple asparagus is exposed to the sunlight, contains chlorophyll and obtains its color through a pigment called anthocyanin. All varieties are known for their mild flavor and soft to crunchy texture. However there are slight differences in flavor among the three. The white variety has a milder taste and the purple variety has a sweeter taste. Asparagus is sold fresh, canned and frozen. Asparagus has been grown for over 2,000 years. It has an extensive history, being cultivated and enjoyed by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans who

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