Facts about Asparagus

• Asparagus is a member of the Lily family.
• Asparagus spears grow from a crown that is planted about a foot deep
  in sandy soils.
• Under ideal conditions, an asparagus spear can grow 10" in a 24-hour
  period.
• Each crown will send spears up for about 6-7 weeks during the spring
  and early summer.
• The outdoor temperature determines how much time will be between each
  picking...early in the season, there may be 4-5 days between pickings
  and as the days and nights get warmer, a particular field may have to
  be picked every 24 hours.
• After harvesting is done the spears grow into ferns, which produce
  red berries and the food and nutrients necessary for a healthy and
  productive crop the next season.
• An asparagus planting is usually not harvested for the first 3 years
  after the crowns are planted allowing the crown to develop a strong
  fibrous root system.
• A well cared for asparagus planting will generally produce for about
  15 years without being replanted.
• The larger the diameter, the better the quality!
• Asparagus is a nutrient-dense food which in high in Folic Acid and is
  a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and
  thiamin.
• Asparagus has No Fat, contains No Cholesterol and is low in Sodium.
  
  Read more about asparagus here:
  http://www.asparagus.org/
  
  
  
• Stalking Fresh Asparagus: to peel or not to peel, that is the question.
  When it comes to fresh asparagus, you may think peeled
  asparagus is a tedious affectation. But consider the benefits.
  Without that fibrous exterior you can enjoy each spear to its
  tender base.
• Here's how to do it with the least fuss: first, snap off and
  discard the tough ends of the asparagus. Then, holding the spear near the tip,
  peel away scales and the thin outer skin. An ordinary vegetable peeler
  works best, and one glide per cut will do; there's no need to whittle away at
  the stalk.
• Peeling goes faster than you think, especially if you look for the
  fattest asparagus when you shop.