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For the average person, asparagus is a rather delicious new product that has only recently appeared in vegetable markets. And, although many have seen the original green, fluffy branches, which are also used as decoration for bouquets, perhaps only a few know that this is the same asparagus that can be eaten: however, in the form of candle shoots, and not stems with foliage. It's time to figure out what kind of vegetable this is, what edible types of asparagus exist: names, descriptions and photos are given below in the article.
What is asparagus
Whether real asparagus looks like a perennial shrub plant or in the form of shoots growing directly from the ground depends on the variety. The stems of shrub varieties reach 120 - 160 cm in height, with soft green leaves resembling needles. This is an early vegetable crop, ripening by the beginning of April, in which only the upper part of the stem is of particular value: true gourmets consider it a real delicacy.
Edible shoots are formed no earlier than in the third year of the culture’s life. In stem-shaped plants, they are cut off as soon as they reach 16 - 20 cm in height (ideally 22 cm), at this age the shoots are the most juicy and soft, and their heads are still dense and unblown. Typically, the harvest period begins on April 18 and lasts until July 20-24, after which the vegetable loses its tenderness and becomes tough. On average, this time is 7 - 8 weeks. Cut stems are wrapped in damp cloth to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
Asparagus is eaten both raw, added to salads, and through heat treatment. On an industrial scale, the vegetable is canned, while its taste and beneficial qualities somewhat lose their value.
What family does asparagus belong to?
The Latin name of this plant is Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis): previously it was classified as a member of the Lily family. However, not so long ago the classification was revised, and now the culture belongs to the Asparagus family. Asparagus is a dioecious plant, meaning it requires male and female shoots for pollination.
Where does asparagus grow?
Asparagus is widespread and can be found in Central and Southern Europe, northern Africa, western Asia, as well as in all regions of Russia, even in Siberia.
The plant prefers shaded places, feels good on sandy soils, and responds favorably to heat and moisture. However, at the same time, asparagus has adapted well to harsh climatic conditions and tolerates long and frosty winters well, adapting well to heavy snowfalls.
What does an asparagus plant look like?
You can see what asparagus looks like in nature in the photographs below.It is clearly seen that asparagus does not require special care, in addition, it feels good in the vicinity of other types of plants.
At the same time, in order to achieve a high yield, it is necessary to create favorable conditions, regularly weed and fertilize. In the photo you can see what an adult asparagus plant looks like, grown in the garden and not in the wild.
Firstly, the sprouts of the garden type are more powerful, and secondly, there are much more of them on one tuber - approximately 10 - 12.
Asparagus is very rich in vitamins and beneficial microelements, therefore only those shoots that were cut no more than 3-4 days ago are valued in cooking. If more time has passed, a significant part of the microelements disappears, and asparagus loses its nutritional value. Fresh asparagus spears should look shiny, firm and crisp, with firm heads and dry cuts. If they are limp and dull, this is a sign that the vegetable is no longer fresh.
Types of Asparagus
And, although there are more than two hundred varieties of asparagus, only three main varieties can be eaten:
- Green: the most common, and therefore cheaper than the other two. However, it is green asparagus that has the highest vitamin content and is the healthiest;
- White: compared to green, it has a more delicate and subtle taste. It is considered an exotic product, along with truffles and artichokes. Shoots that are slightly thicker than green asparagus, and their white color is achieved by growing the plants in mulch without access to light, which blocks the production of chlorophyll, and this is what gives the fruit its subtle taste;
- Purple: the rarest species, characterized by a noticeable bitter taste.The plant acquires its unusual color thanks to a special growing technology, during which the time it spends in the dark and in the light alternates.
According to the classification, there are several varieties of inedible asparagus:
- Soy, which is made from soybeans, is subsequently used to produce soy milk;
- Bean: this species has nothing in common with asparagus and belongs to a different culture;
- Racemose: it looks like asparagus only in appearance, but in fact it is a herb;
- Marine: grows in the coastal zone and is distinguished by its brackish flesh. It is not used in domestic cooking, but it can be found in Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine;
- Decorative: can be fine-leaved, multi-leaved and medicinal. The culture is used to decorate gardens and rockeries.
The best varieties of asparagus
When choosing asparagus varieties to grow for personal purposes, you should definitely take into account the timing of harvest, as well as the adaptability of each to certain climatic conditions.
Asparagus varieties for Siberia
- Arzhentelskaya. The coarse-fibrous shoots with dark pink tips have yellowish flesh. This variety is most popular in Siberia, it is characterized by frost resistance and early ripening, which is good for a short summer;
- Tsarskaya. This variety is also very well adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of Siberia and is able to withstand frosts down to -30 ° C in winter. In addition, Royal asparagus is drought-resistant and has high immunity. Its stems contain white, fleshy, very tender pulp, distinguished by high taste;
- Mary Washington. An early ripening variety with green, very juicy and crispy shoots that form in the 3rd – 4th year after sowing. The plant easily withstands frosts down to -30 °C in winter, is drought-resistant in summer and is practically not susceptible to diseases and pests;
- Ligurian. This early-ripening variety of asparagus belongs to the purple variety and also does well in the Siberian region. The shoots have a subtle, very delicate taste and, unlike other varieties of this species, are not bitter at all. The pulp is soft, slightly oily, sweet and has a creamy texture;
- Connovers Colossal. The variety has long, bright green candles with dark purple tips. It is distinguished by high productivity, ease of care and delicious taste. Grows well on sandy soil and, apart from fertilizing, does not require special attention;
- Delicatessen. A mid-season, cold-resistant variety with green, scaly shoots that have tender flesh with a delicate taste. The harvest is harvested starting in May, over a period of 1.5 months, by cutting off shoots that have reached a diameter of 1.0 - 1.2 cm. After this, the bush is immediately hilled.
Asparagus varieties for the middle zone
Below are photos and descriptions of the most popular types and varieties of asparagus for growing in the middle zone:
- Pleasure. Asparagus shoots Pleasure are distinguished by their creamy white color and tender, incredibly tasty flesh. The variety has good resistance to diseases and pests, easily tolerates drought, as well as sudden temperature changes;
- Glory of Brunswick. This late-ripening variety is characterized by a huge number of shoots with white flesh, the main purpose of which is preservation. The culture is resistant to low temperatures, has good transportability and taste.During the growing season, up to 250 g of product can be removed from one plant;
- Gainlim. An early-ripening, high-yielding foreign variety, with good taste characteristics and high-quality fruits;
- snow head. The long shoots have a pointed, creamy-green head. Their pulp is very tender, with a creamy texture and a delicate aroma, as well as the taste of green peas. The variety is early ripening. It is resistant to diseases and is not afraid of the asparagus fly;
- Harvest. Tender white shoots with juicy pulp are crowned with the same white head. The variety is mid-season, well adapted to various climatic conditions, and easily tolerates temperature changes;
- Dutch green. A high-yielding variety with shoots painted in a juicy green color, having a very delicate taste, without bitterness;
- Early yellow. Tender yellowish-green shoots with creamy flesh have an excellent taste. The variety is early ripening, the fruits are intended both for consumption raw and for canning or heat treatment;
- Xenolim. The pale green petioles of this early ripening variety reach a diameter of up to 25 mm. From one square meter of plantings you can collect up to 3 - 3.5 kg of selected shoots, valued for their excellent taste and exquisite aroma.
What varieties of asparagus are best to plant in the garden?
Vegetable varieties of asparagus suitable for planting in open ground in the garden must have high immunity to common diseases and also withstand various weather conditions. The most common varieties for cultivation in all regions are:
- Arzhentelskaya;
- Mary Washington;
- Tsarskaya;
- Cumulus F1;
- Waldau;
- Mikhnevskaya early;
- Dutch green.
In addition, experienced gardeners can turn their attention to the very productive Brock Imperial variety, which, with proper care, has very high yields.
If you choose the right asparagus variety for planting, this plant can grow in one place for up to 15 - 25 years without replanting, delighting you with a good harvest every year.
It is also important to spray the stems of the plant for preventive purposes, since some species are susceptible to the most dangerous enemies of asparagus: such as the asparagus fly and the asparagus leaf beetle. These parasites are capable of causing irreparable harm to the bush, eating not only young but also old plantings. As a result of their vital activity, the shoots become bent and turn yellow, which damages the taste and dietary qualities of the final product.
Conclusion
Asparagus is an unpretentious plant that is very beneficial for the health of the body, due to the high nutritional value of its shoots. Therefore, when choosing a vegetable in stores, it is important to pay attention to its freshness. If you grow this perennial crop on your own plot, you can provide yourself with a fresh delicacy. And although most often the plant is planted for decorative purposes, recently gardeners are increasingly interested in growing asparagus on their plots of land as a vegetable crop.
