Asparagus Nutrition

Scientific Name: Asparagus officinalis

Order: Asparagales

Family: Asparagaceae

In brief asparagus has: vitamin A (37.79 mcg | 4% DV) folate (52.00 mcg | 13% DV) vitamin K (41.60 mcg | 35% DV) iron (2.14 mg | 12% DV) copper (0.19 mg | 21% DV) Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a flowering plant known for its slender spear shape. Unlike other vegetables which are mostly annual, asparagus is perennial, meaning that it is planted once and can regrow every year. Asparagus is available throughout the year. The ideal growing season is between late February to June. Asparagus first originated in the eastern Mediterranean and Asia. Today, asparagus can be found growing in the Northern Hemisphere where there is a lot of sunshine. Asparagus contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, notably vitamin K (35% daily value [DV]), vitamin A (4% DV), folate (13% DV), iron (12% DV), and copper (21% DV). Because of the high vitamin K content (35% DV), asparagus is one of the best food sources for this nutrient, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and maintains healthy bones. Vitamin A in asparagus helps with vision, immunity, bone growth, cell function, and reproduction. At the same time, folate, a type of vitamin B, is responsible for creating red blood cells, genetic material, and ensuring brain/nervous system overall health. Iron and copper in asparagus also participate in blood formation. Asparagus can come in two other different colors: white and purple. White asparagus is more common in Europe and has a milder taste, compared to their green cousins in America. Similarly, purple asparagus is not popular in the US, but it has a nuttier and sweeter taste and contains anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant.