History/Origin  Asparagus farming started more than 2500 years ago by ancient Greeks and Romans.  Early colonists brought asparagus to North America.  The first cannery to package green asparagus started in 1919.  In the mid 1980s, fresh asparagus was shipped worldwide for the first time by airplane from California.  California, Washington and Michigan are the top-asparagus producing states. Botanical

 The asparagus crown grows underground producing asparagus spears each spring.  Spears are slightly glossy with many small, bumpy, triangular scales (called bracts) concentrated in the top quarter of the stem.  Asparagus can grow as much as an inch per hour, up to 12 inches in one day!  Spears come in three different colors ~ white, green or purple.  White asparagus is the same variety as green, but it is carefully hand-cut while still underground.

Nutrition  Asparagus is a highly nutritious vegetable packed with folic acid, which helps keep your blood healthy.  It has lots of dietary fiber to keep your digestive system in good working order.  It is one of the richest sources of rutin, a compound that strengthens capillary walls.  Asparagus is full of Vitamin C. Fun Facts

 White asparagus has long been considered a delicacy, particularly by Europeans. It can be twice as expensive as green asparagus because it has to be hand-cut underground.  When asparagus is exposed to sunlight it first turns pink, and later the familiar green color.  Purple asparagus is a different variety, originally developed by Italian farmers. Its color comes from the high levels of potent antioxidants in the spears. It is usually more tender and sweeter.