Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a Euroasy member of the family of the liliaceas (Liliaceae) and a perennial plant with rapid and long life growth. The stems sprout at the beginning of spring and sometimes grow up to 10 inches in a period of 24 hours.

The rest of the year, its beautiful Freechoso foliage, its small flowers and, in autumn, its tiny red berries add interest to the garden. It looks very good in perennial plants or in the herbal garden.

Other names Sparagrass, Sparrowgrass, Sperage

History and folklore

The word asparagus comes from the Greek and designates any young and tender outbreak that can be eaten.

The ancient Greeks appreciated asparagus more than 2500 years ago. They considered it a cleaning and curative herb and used it for many medicinal purposes. The Romans, in turn, also appreciated the asparagus and cultivated it (the Greeks collected it wild) and extended it throughout Europe in their conquests.

Emperor Augusto coined the term «Velocius Quam Asparagi Conquatur», which means doing something faster than the asparagus can be cooked. Similar to our phrase «two lamb tail shakes». The Romans appreciated the asparagus so much that, in the first century, the corridors took them from the Tiber River Valley to the Alps to freeze and conserve them for the 21st century. Epicurus party.

King Louis XIV cultivated asparagus in his greenhouses to be able to enjoy them all year, and the king of vegetables nicknamed. It was also popular in England and other parts of Europe, and the settlers took him to America, where the American natives used it as medicine.

Asparagus were considered a prohibited phallic symbol in girls ‘schools in the nineteenth century, but Victorian women were taught to detect the smell of this aphrodisiac in their husbands’ urine, unequivocal sign that they behaved badly!

Spread

Asparagus are excellent for permaculture because they can live 15 years or more and continue providing tasty turions every spring. It grows better in sandy and alkaline soils in full sun, but is not demanding. It also supports some shade and a soil that is not perfect, provided you pay it well.

You can buy asparagus crowns in most gardening centers. Cava a groove of about 25 cm deep, wide and as long as you want your row. Fill the trench halfway with fertilizer and place the asparagus crowns on top, separated about 25 cm, and cover them slightly with earth and water. It is best to do it in spring, as soon as the danger of frost has passed.

The first year you will not get stems, but the foliage similar to fern will remain beautiful. Be sure to paddle all autumn to reduce weeds and maintain a constant flow of nutrients. The asparagus is a hungry plant.

Collection and storage

Do not reap your asparagus until they are at least three years old. Thus the plant will have time to develop a strong root system.

The plants will begin to sprout shortly after the frosts pass and may continue until well in June. Cut the outbreaks near the base when they measure about 25 cm and are the thickness of a finger. If they are thinner than a pencil, the plant is not yet ready for the harvest, or has tired that they harvest it and you have to leave it alone.

Make sure the turions heads are firm and have not begun to get rid of. As soon as Pelusillas begin to leave, it will be too late to harvest them.

The asparagus are consumed better frescoes, but if you want to store them for later, put them in a glass of water like a bouquet and guide them in the fridge. If you want to save them for later, cook the steamed stems for about five minutes and then congratulate them in a freezing bag.

Magical attributes

The asparagus is aligned with Mars and Jupiter and with the fire element. It is also sacred to Zeus.

It is used in lust and fertility spells, especially in relation to vigor and male power.

Magicod -description Fertility The asparagus are associated with fertility and it is believed that they increase reproductive energy and help to conceive. romantics.Table 1: Magic attributes of the asparagus

Healing attributes

Asparagus are a good diuretic and contain nutrients that help strengthen. It is a good food to take when a bodily cleaning is being done, a great «spring tonic.»

Curativadescripcipcióndiuréticoles asparagus have natural diuretic properties that help eliminate excess liquid from the organism and favor the health of the kidneys. healthy digestion and can help relieve digestive problems such as swelling and constipation. Imparagus. Antioxidant has antioxidants such as glutathione that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.Table 2: Healing properties of asparagus

Culinary use

Asparagus are one of the most nutritious vegetables that will find in the supermarket. They have a high content of folic acid, potassium, fiber, vitamins B6, A, C and thiamine, do not contain fat or cholesterol and are low in sodium.

It is best to cook it slightly steamed so that it is tender and bright. You can also eat raw with or without sauce.