GREEN ASPARAGUS (Part 2)
ORIGINS AND INTRODUCTION
The name “asparagus” comes from a Greek word meaning “to break apart into small pieces,” or “to divide into many.” In fact, if asparagus is allowed to grow freely, fine, string-like leaves will start spreading out from the stalk. For some, asparagus is a popular garden plant grown for viewing, not eating. Asparagus was originally brought to Japan from Holland in the Edo period as a garden plant. It was first test-grown for consumption during the early Meiji period in Hokkaidō.
BALANCED NUTRITION FOR YOUR SKIN AND HAIR
What makes green asparagus so outstanding is that it is rich in special vitamins while maintaining a good balance of many other vitamins and minerals. Green asparagus contains vitamin A (carotene, retinol), vitamins B1 and B2, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin K.
While there are other vegetables with greater amounts of any of these individual vitamins, green asparagus has an average amount of all of them.
The same is true for minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron and zinc. Green asparagus provides just the right amount of vitamins and minerals needed for skin, membrane and hair health. It is also good for people with anemia.
BOILED OR SAUTÉED, ALWAYS DELICIOUS
Green asparagus can be boiled or sautéed without losing much vitamins and minerals. You can enjoy it the customary way — sautéed in butter or olive oil — to your heart’s content. It’s also very tasty deep-fried, either as tempura or covered with breadcrumbs. Here is a hint: sauté or deep fry them directly rather than boiling them first. The spears will be crisper and your body will be better able to absorb the carotene in the green asparagus. For salads, parboil the green asparagus first. You can use the stems by peeling off the hard outer skin. Boil the harder stem portions first to ensure that all the pieces cook evenly. A highly recommended way to enjoy green asparagus is to sauté parboiled spears wrapped in bacon.
(Translated by Roy Mashima)
(The information provided should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Consult your physician before attempting any new program. Readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of developing serious medical conditions.)
