Transcript asparagusx
Asparagus Classification Kingdom: Plantae – Plants Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants Class: Liliopsida – Monocotyledons Subclass: Liliidae Order: Liliales Family: Liliaceae – Lily family Genus: Asparagus L. Species: A. officinalis Location • Asparagus is grown around the world with the top producers being China followed by Peru, and Germany • The plant is indigenous to the Western coasts of Europe Morphology • Herbaceous perennial plant can grow 2-7 feet tall • Flowers are bell shaped with six tepal fused together at the base • “leaves” are needle-like cladodes (modified stems) • Roots system is adventitious • Fruit is a small red berry Berries and Flowers Cultivation Climate: grows well in mild to cold climates and withstands frost Location: Needs full sun to grow Soil: Well drained, sandy with a pH of 6.5-7.0 Planting: dig trenches 10” wide, 8” deep Harvesting: Harvest in early spring starting after the third year. Harvest by cutting just below the soil level making sure not to damage new shoots Plant Uses • It’s served in a number of ways around the world, typically as an appetizer or vegetable side dish. It’s also commonly used in stir-fry. • The amino acid asparagine gets its name from asparagus because the plants contain high amounts of the amino acid. • This food is very low in cholesterol and sodium, and it contains high levels of vitamins and minerals. Serving Size = 1 Cup • Fights Diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's: antioxidant called glutathione (GSH) • Relieves Arthritis: contains a phytochemical, which produces anti-inflammatory effects • Controls Diabetes: has minerals that are essential for controlling blood sugar • Prevents Birth Defects: foliate help protect against neural tube defects • Maintains Digestive system: contains inulin, which feeds natural bacteria living in the intestine References • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asparagus#Medicin al • http://www.howtogardenadvice.com/vegetables /grow_asparagus.html • http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetablesand-vegetable-products/2316/2 • http://plants.usda.gov/java/ClassificationServlet? source=display&classid=ASPAR • http://nutrition.indobase.com/articles/asparagus -nutrition.php