What is the difference between white and green asparagus?
In this brief article, we will provide you with the answer to the question: “What is the difference between white and green asparagus?”, discuss the health benefits of asparagus consumption, and share some recipes with this ingredient.
What is the difference between white and green asparagus?
White asparagus grows underground and green asparagus above. Green asparagus does photosynthesis and thus contains more vitamins, in this case, it can be considered healthier than white asparagus.
The most popular type of asparagus on the market is green asparagus. They are delicate and juicy.
White asparagus is not a separate species of asparagus; rather, it is the product of a bleaching procedure in which the asparagus is cultivated “hidden,” avoiding light exposure and the photosynthetic process.
White asparagus is less bitter and more delicate than green asparagus. It is also more costly since it demands more attention. Before eating white asparagus, the underside is always peeled.
What are the health benefits of asparagus consumption?
Asparagus is recognized for its cleansing characteristics due to its diuretic and draining capabilities, which aid in the removal of impurities from the body. Furthermore, asparagus contains a chemical known as asparagine, which aids in the detoxification of the body.
Asparagus is also high in fiber, which assists in bowel movement and stool removal, as well as the elimination of toxins and the prevention of intestinal disorders such as hemorrhoids and cancer.
Asparagus also has the following major health benefits:
- As a diuretic, it can aid in the treatment of gallbladder and renal issues; it can also deflate the body.
- Because it contains antioxidants like vitamin A and E, it can help prevent cancer.
- Because it is anti-inflammatory, it can aid in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Diabetes can be fought by enhancing the activity of the hormone insulin.
- It can help to prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering homocysteine levels; it can also assist to strengthen the immune system because it is high in zinc and selenium.
- Asparagus may be eaten raw, however, canned asparagus is popular as an addition to basic or refined recipes since it retains its low-calorie content while being rich in nutrients. Those with high blood pressure should avoid eating pickled asparagus.
Recipes with asparagus
Asparagus can be prepared in a variety of ways, including purees, soups, salads, and stews.
Recipe for almond asparagus
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp toasted flaked almonds
- 1 kilogram cleaned and trimmed asparagus
- a half-teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Before baking, toast the almonds on a baking sheet for 4 to 5 minutes, or until brown. Cook the asparagus for 4 to 5 minutes, or until crisp and tender. Place the heated asparagus in a dish or on a plate.
Recipe for Asparagus with Bacon & Ham
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 thin slice of bacon for each asparagus (or cut a thick one in half)
- 1 raw ham slice per asparagus
Remove the asparagus’s bottom. (Optional: Remove the outside section of the stem using a vegetable peeler, especially if the asparagus is thicker. It will soften the asparagus.)
Wrap each asparagus spear with a piece of bacon or ham. Divide the slice of bacon or ham in half before wrapping it up. 1 tablespoon olive oil, heated in a pan over medium heat (or other vegetable oil). When the bacon or ham is golden brown, remove it from the fire.
Asparagus pie
Ingredients:
- 2 small jars of canned asparagus
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 packet of onion cream
- 250g of mayonnaise
- 1 liter of milk
- 1 packet of grated cheese
- 1 package of bread
Pour the milk and onion cream into a pan and heat until it thickens. Turn off the heat and add the cottage cheese and mayonnaise, stirring well until dissolved.
Cut the asparagus into pieces and place it in this sauce. In a glass dish, assemble layers of bread and this cream.
Finally, cover with the rest of the sauce and sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake over medium heat until golden.
Other FAQs about Asparagus that you may be interested in.
Can you freeze asparagus soup?
What does asparagus taste like
Conclusion
In this brief article, we provided you with the answer to the question: “What is the difference between white and green asparagus?”, discussed the health benefits of asparagus consumption, and shared some recipes with this ingredient.
References
Tua Saúde. “Aspargos combatem artrite e previnem doenças no coração – veja os benefícios!” Accessed January 21, 2022. https://www.tuasaude.com/o-poder-purificante-dos-aspargos/.
Cozinha Técnica. “Aspargo | Espargo,” April 11, 2018. https://www.cozinhatecnica.com/2018/04/aspargo-espargo/.
Semana, Redação Guia da. “12 receitas deliciosas com aspargos.” Guia da Semana. Accessed January 21, 2022. https://www.guiadasemana.com.br/receitas/galeria/receitas-deliciosas-com-aspargos.