asparagus | Kitchen Dictionary | fresh asparagus

Asparagus (from the Persian word asparag, meaning a sprout), are slim green spears, often tinged with a bit of purple at the tip. Europeans are more familiar with white asparagus which is grown completely underground to prevent it from becoming green. There is also a purple variety called Viola. Asparagus plants usually live 8 to 10 years, and the size of the asparagus spear is relative to the age of the plant; in other words, the thicker the vegetwble, the older the plant. Ingredient Season: February – June How to select: Look for firm, bright green stalks with tight, compact heads. source