3079 Asparagus

"Bringing a pop of color to the vegetable market"

Purple Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable variety known for its tender spears, rich flavor, and vibrant purple color.

Also known as: Purple Spear, Royal Asparagus

Botanical name: Asparagus officinalis

Asparagus illustration

Quick Facts

PLU Code

3079 (4-digit conventional)

Category & Size

VegetablesAsparagusAll Sizes

Origin

Originally cultivated in Europe, now grown worldwide in regions with suitable climate conditions

Storage Temperature

0°C to 4°C (32°F to 39°F)

Shelf Life

14 to 21 days

Status

Approved

About 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.

Nutrition Information

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 & Handling

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.

Optimal Storage Conditions:
Temperature: 0°C to 4°C (32°F to 39°F)
Humidity: 80% to 90%
Packaging: Breathable packaging or containers to maintain humidity and prevent moisture accumulation
Shelf Life: 14 to 21 days
Storage Notes: 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.

Search PLU Codes

Tags
3079AsparagusAsparagus officinalisAll SizesVegetablesAsparagusApproved
Commodity Details
Commodity Key:
asparagus
Variety:
Purple
Created:
December 1999
Last Updated:
December 2023
PLU Code Reference

4-digit codes: Conventionally grown produce

5-digit codes starting with 9: Organic produce

5-digit codes starting with 8: Originally intended for GMO (rarely used)


PLU codes streamline checkout processes, improve inventory management, and provide consistency across different stores. The system was developed by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS).