Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis

vegetable · prebiotic

Young shoots, the spears, that rise each spring from a perennial rhizome; known to the Romans, grown in France since the 15th century, today 87% of it comes from China. It provides fructans and folate.

Origin

Mediterranean basin

Season (United States)

April to June · grows in your region

Preparation

The tough base snaps off where it gives under your fingers; the ends and peelings make a broth. High in purines: to rotate rather than stack, if the ground is sensitive.

Molecules

Fructans (inulin, FOS) · Saponins · Folates (B9)In small amounts, not counted Flavonols (quercetin) · Vitamin B1 (thiamine) · Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)What slows things down Purines

Did you know?

A quarter of an hour after eating it, urine can take on a very distinctive smell — which some people cannot smell at all.