Few vegetables are as eagerly awaited as asparagus. When the first spears appear on the market, we know: Spring is here! Whether classic white or nutty green (as in your picture) – asparagus is a feast. But it's not just delicious, it's also a true detox wonder that deacidifies your body. Find out why you should make the most of its short season here.
What you should know about asparagus
Asparagus is the epitome of seasonality. Its season is strictly limited: Traditionally, it runs from April to June (more precisely, until June 24th, St. John's Day). Since the season is limited, the motto is: Grab it while it lasts!
While white asparagus grows underground and needs to be peeled, green asparagus grows above ground, soaks up the sun (hence the color), and usually doesn't need to be peeled.
Nutrients & Effects
Asparagus is the ideal slimming food. With only 18 calories per 100g, it is extremely low in calories. But it's packed with power: It's an excellent source of folic acid, which makes it particularly important for pregnant women and for cell division.
It is also rich in vitamin K (important for bones) and fiber. If you want to deacidify your body, this is exactly what you need: Asparagus has an alkaline effect and thus supports the acid-base balance.
Taste & Texture
Asparagus tastes delicately aromatic, slightly nutty (especially the green variety), and mildly bitter. One point that should not be omitted: Asparagus has a strong distinctive smell – or rather, it often causes this during urination. This is due to asparagus acid, which is broken down in the body.
Preparation with kitchen appliances
Asparagus can do more than just a saucepan – your appliances bring variety:
- Slow Juicer / Juicer: A highlight of your graphic: Asparagus is good for juicing! Asparagus juice has a strong diuretic effect. Since the pure taste is very intense, it's best to mix it in the slow juicer with sweet apple, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Air Fryer: Green asparagus from the air fryer is a dream! Simply snap off the woody ends, mix the spears with a little olive oil and sea salt, and roast for 8–10 minutes. It remains firm to the bite and develops wonderful roasted aromas.
- Blender: A quick cream of asparagus soup without long cooking? Cook the asparagus until soft (or use leftovers) and blend it in a stand mixer with some cooking water, cream (or cashew butter), and lemon to a fine soup.
- Bread Maker: A hearty asparagus quiche dough or a focaccia with baked-in green asparagus spears turns out perfectly in the bread maker. The dough rises nicely and encloses the vegetables.
- Ice Cube Maker: Don't throw away the peels and ends! Boil them to make an intense asparagus broth and freeze it in an ice cube maker. This way, you have the perfect base for asparagus soups or risotto all year round.
Shopping & Storage
You can recognize fresh asparagus by the "squeak test": Rub two spears together – if it squeaks, it's fresh. The tips should be tightly closed, the cut ends juicy.
Wrap the spears in a damp tea towel and store them in the vegetable compartment. White asparagus will keep for 2–3 days this way, while green asparagus should preferably be stored upright in a little water or consumed more quickly.
Use in the kitchen
- Classic: With hollandaise sauce, potatoes, and ham.
- Salad: Green asparagus, briefly fried with strawberries, feta, and balsamic – the summer hit!
- Pasta: Cut into pieces in a light lemon-cream sauce.
Fun Facts
- Growth Speed: In warm weather, asparagus can grow up to 7 cm per day – you can almost watch it grow!
- Odor Gene: Not everyone smells the typical "asparagus urine." Whether one can smell the breakdown products is genetically determined.
- Botanical: Asparagus is a lily plant and thus distantly related to onions and garlic.
Conclusion
Asparagus is the star of spring. It is an absolute seasonal highlight, alkaline-forming, and a great source of folic acid. Although the season is limited and it has a strong distinctive smell, its versatility – especially that it is good for juicing – makes up for it. Enjoy it while it lasts!
