White Asparagus vs. Green Asparagus: What is the difference? 

Although a bit less common, you may have seen white asparagus and wondered: what’s going on with that? In short: it depends on how much sun the asparagus gets! White asparagus and green asparagus are slightly different, but the same vegetable!

Both colors of asparagus are pretty much the same, just the growing process is different. White asparagus is grown without sunlight, either underground or in dark tunnels. The chlorophyll production that normally occurs in sunlight doesn’t happen – which results in a paler version of asparagus!

This does change the taste of asparagus, and makes it more tender and sweeter than the more common green asparagus. When prepared for cooking, white asparagus normally has the outer layer removed which is tougher than green asparagus, making it more tender after cooking. 

Even though white asparagus is grown underground or in dark tunnels, the growing time is the same – both are grown in the spring! 

While Carrigan Farms only grows green asparagus, keep an eye out for white asparagus this spring in the grocery store! For more information on asparagus at Carrigan Farms, visit our website here: www.carriganfarms.com/asparagus/

Thick versus thin asparagus: how the growing process changes asparagus thickness? 

We’ve all seen different sizes of asparagus – and you may even have a preference! Some people prefer thin asparagus spears, and others may prefer thick asparagus! So what’s the difference between thick versus thin asparagus, and how does the growing process change the thickness of the asparagus?

The thickness of a spear of asparagus is mostly determined by the health, age, closeness to the crown, and depth in which the asparagus is grown. 

• Thick Asparagus:

  • Typically grows on younger, healthy roots
  • Grows closer to the crown/center of the root
  • Grows earlier in the season 
  • Grows on roots planted deeper, 6-8 inches under the ground 

• Thin Asparagus: 

  • Typically grows on more established roots 
  • Grows farther away from the crown/center of the root
  • Grows later in the season 
  • Grows on roots planted shallower, 2-4 inches under the ground 

While people often associate the thickness of asparagus with their taste preference, most of the texture and taste of asparagus depends on the cooking method! Whether it is thick or thin, asparagus can be tender or crisp, more fibrous or less fibrous, just depending on how the asparagus is prepared and cooked.

Sometimes, your cooking method should reflect what asparagus you’re looking for! Thick asparagus is great for grilling because it’s easier to turn/ flip and is substantial on the plate. Thin asparagus is perfect for quick cooking like steaming, or preparing in a stir fry or omelet. Either way, both options are equally nutritious! Asparagus has a lot of vitamins and nutrients and is a great vegetable option. 

Asparagus is available at Carrigan Farms in the spring, for more info visit: www.carriganfarms.com/asparagus/

What grows 7 inches a day? Fun Asparagus Facts!

Asparagus facts!

• How much does Asparagus grow in a day? 

  • How much an asparagus grows in a day is highly dependent on the weather! With the changing weather in the spring, especially in North Carolina, how much an asparagus grows depends on how warm it is. Asparagus can grow anywhere between 6-10 inches in 24 hours. During this time, we harvest asparagus daily. In the beginning of spring, when the weather is cooler or less consistently warm, asparagus grows a little more slowly. Asparagus is harvested when it is about 6-8 inches long. 
• You can eat asparagus raw
• • Yes! Asparagus is a safe vegetable to eat raw and is very rich in nutrients! Just make sure that you trim the woody ends of the asparagus, and choose a firm feeling asparagus for a crisp, raw asparagus! 
  • If you find raw asparagus a bit bitter, there’s an east fix! You can cook it with a bit of lemon juice to reduce that bitter flavor! 
  • Asparagus is rich in Vitamin A, C, and K and serves as a source of fiber and antioxidants.

• Asparagus is a perennial can live for a long time

  • Yes, asparagus is a perennial, which just means that once you plant it, they continue to regrow and produce each spring. This is different from an annual plant, which grows once then dies off. 
  • Asparagus can continue to produce for more than 20 years if well maintained! 

• Does Asparagus sleep during the winter months? 

  • Yes! Asparagus goes dormant in the winter months, after spending the summer ferning to grow and store energy in its root crowns. After the first frost in the fall (when the temperature drops around freezing overnight) the asparagus goes dormant until the spring! 

• What do asparagus plants do in the summer? 

  • In the summer, asparagus plants either “fern out” or “bolt” – when the last spears of asparagus are not harvested (or cut), the asparagus grows into a fern-like plant that photosynthesizes and stores energy for the next year! 
  • This happens as a natural process, as the fern plant tries to store energy (via photosynthesis) for the upcoming cold season when it goes dormant. 
  • This is important, as the roots of the asparagus plan store energy like a battery until the following spring when it is time to make more asparagus!

• What makes your pee stink?

  • Does asparagus make your pee stink? It actually depends on the person! The change in urine smell is caused by a compound called “asparagusic acid” and is actually a sulfur-containing compound. 
  • When you eat asparagus, the “asparagusic acid” is broken down. The sulfur parts of the acid are removed when you pee! Because your body gets rid of these in your urine, it makes your pee smell! 
  • Here’s the weirdest part: Your pee smells like that when you eat asparagus, without exception. However, some people say asparagus doesn’t make their pee smell because they can’t smell it! Depending on your genetics, you may lack the ability to smell those sulfur compounds.

Hope you enjoyed some asparagus facts! For more information on getting Asparagus at Carrigan Farms, visit our website here: www.carriganfarms.com/asparagus/