You probably know asparagus for its delicate taste and refined appearance, but did you know that it is also extremely beneficial for your body? From their high nutritional content to their numerous health benefits, these leafy vegetables are full of often overlooked qualities. Discover the unsuspected virtues of green asparagus in this article.
Focus on the different varieties of asparagus
Asparagus, or Asparagus officinalis, belongs to the Liliaceae family (like the lily). It is grown mainly in Europe and Asia, but it can also be found in the United States. There are several varieties of asparagus, including white, purple and green.
White asparagus
Pale color, soft texture, mild flavor… White asparagus is very popular with gourmets. Cultivated away from light, as its name suggests, this variety does not develop any pigmentation and therefore remains white until harvest. Even though it has characteristics similar to those of other varieties, white asparagus nevertheless contains slightly fewer vitamins and minerals than green ones.
Purple asparagus
The purple color of this variety of asparagus is due to a natural pigment, anthocyanin. Purple asparagus is often considered the tastiest asparagus, thanks to its slightly sweet scent and tender texture. It is generally eaten raw or very lightly cooked, to best preserve its taste qualities.
Green asparagus
This variety owes its color to chlorophyll, which also gives it a more pronounced flavor than its white and purple cousins. Also beneficial for health thanks to its detoxifying properties, green asparagus will be the heart of the subject covered in this article.
Focus on the benefits of green asparagus
While many people still don’t know it, green asparagus is a real nutritional gold mine: vitamins, minerals, fiber… This fresh vegetable will bring you numerous benefits for your health every day. Here are some of the main benefits of green asparagus:
- A concentrate of vitamins and minerals to strengthen the body
- A source of fiber for easier digestion
- Antioxidants to protect your cells and fight free radicals
- Diuretic properties to promote the elimination of toxins
- An ally in the prevention of certain chronic diseases and cancer
A concentrate of vitamins and minerals to strengthen the body
Rich in vitamin K, B9 (folic acid), iron and copper, green asparagus is ideal for combating nutritional deficiencies. It contributes in particular to the good health of our tissues, to the formation of our red blood cells and to our immune system. Consume it without moderation!
A source of fiber for easier digestion
To help our body better digest and absorb other nutrients, green asparagus is a soft fiber vegetable that stimulates our intestinal transit.
Antioxidants to protect your cells and fight free radicals
Green asparagus also contains flavonoids and carotenoids, two powerful antioxidants that help slow the premature aging of our cells.
Diuretic properties to promote the elimination of toxins
Asparagine, potassium… Green asparagus is also good for our kidneys. With their diuretic effect, they help us eliminate waste from our body more easily.
An ally in the prevention of certain chronic diseases and cancer
The many virtues of green asparagus also make it an excellent food for preventing various pathologies. Indeed, this vegetable plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, certain neurological disorders and even diabetes.
How to eat green asparagus?
Green asparagus is appreciated for its crunchy texture and delicate flavor. It can be enjoyed hot or cold and fits as well into light menus as into gourmet breakfasts. Here are some tips for cooking this vegetable with a thousand virtues:
- Opt for steam
- Juxtapose asparagus with other fresh vegetables
- Eat it raw or cooked al dente
- Add it to different types of recipes: salads, spreads, quiches…
Opt for steam
To evoke its full flavor potential, it is best to cook green asparagus in boiling water or, better yet, steam.
Juxtapose asparagus with other fresh vegetables
For a touch of freshness and a harmony of flavors, combine green asparagus with seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs.
Eat it raw or cooked al dente
If green asparagus is known for its crunch, consider cook them so as to maintain this slightly firm texture, which gives them all their charm.
Add it to different types of recipes: salads, spreads, quiches…
Vary the menus by incorporating green asparagus into various dishes such as soufflés, risottos or even seasonal tarts. This way, it will naturally fit into your menus and you will benefit from all its benefits!
