Dear Anai,

I was out shopping at a farmers market and found White Asparagus. I never seen white before and I love the green variety so I had to try white . It was wonderful.

I just wanted to learn more about it like is it equal to green in nutritional value? Is it a winter thing is it genetically manipulated?

Thank you for any information.

Answer:

Typically we see the forest green asparagus at our local market, but are suddenly surprised to find white asparagus on the produce shelf. As much of an oddity it may seems to some, white asparagus is actually a european favourite. Believe it or not, the europeans actually hold an annual festival to honour the asparagus lily.

The real secret to creating white asparagus is covering the stalks of the asparagus with dirt as they grow a certain height. The lack of exposure to sunlight robs their chance of turning the grassy green we all know and love.

Asparagus is said to be one of the most nutritionally well balanced vegetables - rich in anti-carcinogens and anti-oxidants. It is also an excellent source of Folacin.

A good link for more information on the asparagus in general can be found here

White asparagus costs more and takes a little longer to cook than the traditional green and purple asparagus, but it can be a great conversational food at a dinner party!

Thank you for writing!

Anai Rhoads

© Copyright 2003 Anai Rhoads.