Details about Asparagus
Also known as Purple Spear, Royal Asparagus
Native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, Purple Asparagus is a sub-variety of Asparagus officinalis. It requires careful handling and refrigeration to maintain its quality and freshness.
Bringing a pop of color to the vegetable market
Nutrition
Asparagus officinalis, specifically the purple variety, is a nutrient-rich vegetable with the following key nutrition facts per 100g serving:
Energy content of 20 kcal
Protein is 2.2 grams
Carbohydrates are approximately 3.88 grams
Dietary fibre is 2.1 grams
Sugars are less than 1.5 grams
Fat is less than 0.2 grams and mainly consists of unsaturated fat
Rich in essential vitamins such as Vitamin C at 6.9 milligrams or roughly about 7.7 percent of recommended daily value, Vitamin E 1.8 milligrams or 12 percent of recommended daily value and also a significant amount of Vitamin K around 53.6 micrograms
Minerals present in significant amounts include potassium at 252 milligrams, manganese at 0.2 milligrams and iron with 0.7 milligrams, for example.
Storage
Asparagus is a temperamental vegetable that requires consistent refrigeration to maintain its quality. Store in an environment that maintains high humidity and keep away from ethylene-producing fruits to prolong shelf life.
Storage conditions:- Temperature: 0°C to 4°C (32°F to 39°F)
- Humidity: 80% to 90%
Avoid storing asparagus near heat sources, direct sunlight, or areas with high levels of ethylene production. Regularly inspect for spoilage and trim or remove affected spears to prevent decay.
Packaging
Breathable packaging or containers to maintain humidity and prevent moisture accumulation
Shelf life
14 to 21 days