Asparagus is the oldest culture. This plant was known four thousand years ago BC. It is believed that the ancient Egyptians were the first to appreciate its taste and beneficial properties. Asparagus has been used as a cure for many diseases. It is not for nothing that the translation of asparagus from the Latin language is "medicinal".
Previously, only the wealthy segments of the population could afford asparagus dishes - pharaohs, emperors, patricians. Later - French kings, Italian bishops. It was constantly consumed in food, until in the Middle Ages the amount of the harvest did not sharply decrease. The art of caring for asparagus was gradually forgotten. And only on the eve of the Renaissance, thanks to the crusaders, the vegetable was again grown and consumed.
Why is asparagus useful?
Asparagus is the leader in nutritional and healing properties. It was from asparagus that the amino acid asparagine, useful for the human body, was obtained. It has a diuretic effect, removes toxins from the body. The plant has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart, blood vessels, blood pressure.
Green shoots are rich in trace elements. These are zinc, sulfur, potassium, iron. And vitamin C in asparagus is the same as in beets, squash, beans. The amount of carotene is the same as in carrots and green peas.
Asparagus as a remedy
Due to its useful composition, the vegetable was so in demand by ancient healers. First of all, it was used as a medicine against ailments, and only then as a food product. For example, in China, asparagus was prescribed for coughing. She was also treated for abscesses and male infertility. It was believed that asparagus improves sperm quality.
The Egyptians treated liver and kidney diseases. In Rome, residents wore amulets with the image of this plant and considered it almost a panacea for many diseases. Potassium improves kidney function. Zinc has a beneficial effect on connective tissue. The plant also contains B vitamins, vitamin A, proteins and carbohydrates.
Asparagus contains folic acid, which is effective in congenital heart disease. Also, folic acid helps to restore the body after stress and overwork. Magnesium and iron improves blood circulation. And calcium and phosphorus are essential components in the formation of bone tissue.
How to cook asparagus
In cooking, green, white and purple asparagus are most commonly used. At the same time, no light is needed for the growth of white asparagus, and therefore there is no chlorophyll in its cells. It is also interesting that asparagus is a close relative of garlic and onions.
The most popular and easiest way to cook this vegetable is to tie the shoots together and place them in a narrow pot of boiling water with the stems in the water and the heads above it. Asparagus prepared in this way is usually served with hollandaise sauce.
