Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

Let your food be your medicine...

In the Garden | Culinary | Fragrance | Medicinal use

Young Asparagus shoot

Asparagus has been cultivated for over 2000 years as a vegetable and also as a medicinal herb for its diuretic effects.

Growth Characteristics:

Cultivation:

Harvesting:

Young spears (shoots) are cut in late spring and summer from established plants when about 20cm long, then eaten fresh or used for medicinal preparation,
Allow the foliage to develop and grow during late summer and autumn, as this is necessary for the following season's crop.
Rhizomes and tubers are lifted when dormant and boiled before drying for decoctions and powders,
Year after year the crop of shoots will improve in quantity and size. A plant can be productive for up to 20 years.
WARNING: Berries are harmful if eaten.

Companion Planting:

Vegetables: Plant with Tomato,
Herbs: Plant with Parsley, Basil (repellant for asparagus beetle), Nasturtium, Marigold,
Do not plant with: Onions,

Use young Asparagus shoots:

Steamed or lightly boiled and served hot or cold as a vegetable.
As a warm dish it can be served with a lemon and butter sauce or with a cheese sauce.
Cold, with an oil-and-vinegar dressing,
Puréed or finely chopped in soups,
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Asparagus may be beneficial in the following cases:

General	A source of folic acid and selenium,
Nervous System	Neuritis - inflammation or deterioration of a nerve, usually peripheral,
Endocrine System	Asparagus root contains steroidal glycosides, which affects hormone production,
Cardiovascular System	It is very nutritious and is essential for the production of red blood cells,
Liver	Acts as a tonic to the liver, and may be used in cases of liver congestion and conditions such as hepatitis to encourage healing,
Digestive system	Beneficial for digestion,
Urinary System	Cystitis, Pyelitis, Kidney disease, A gentle diuretic to increase the flow of urine. Oedema from heart failure, Swollen ankles,
Reproductive System	May help control the symptoms of PMS, including breast tenderness and abdominal bloating,
Musculo / Skeletal System	Because of the anti-inflammatory action of the steroidal glycosides, it may be beneficial for rheumatism, gout,

Preparation and dosage:

SAFETY DATA:

Recognized as safe by the FDA. It has no known toxicology. As with all cholagogues, persons with acute gallstones should exercise extreme care in using such agents.
No adverse effects expected when used during pregnancy and lactation,

Rocket: Nutty and crunchy; ideal in salads and sandwiches.