Monday, June 22, 2009

Live it with the Healthy Asparagus

By Mara Hernandez-Capili

Asparagus is a flower bearing plant in the genus Asparagus which the vegetable known as asparagus came from. It is a widely cultivated vegetable crop. The young shoots of the asparagus is the only edible part. The shoots are served in many different ways.

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. 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 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.

There are many benefits that you can find in an asparagus. Asparagus is rich in folic acid that helps lessen birth defects during pregnancy. It is good for the heart; it helps in good blood circulation and helps fight bad cholesterol. Another is that, asparagus lessens stress and depression. Asparagus also helps in preventing multiple sclerosis and scurvy. Lastly; it has been known that asparagus increases the success rate of chemo therapy.

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.

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