4521 Asparagus

"Nature's edible spear, bursting with flavor and nutrients"

A popular and nutritious vegetable, valued for its tender shoots and delicate flavor

Also known as: Sparrow grass, Asperges

Botanical name: Asparagus officinalis

Asparagus illustration

Quick Facts

PLU Code

4521 (4-digit conventional)

Category & Size

VegetablesAsparagusLarge

Origin

Native to Europe, Western Asia and North Africa, now widely cultivated in many parts of the world

Storage Temperature

31-32°F (-0.5-0°C)

Shelf Life

14-21 days

Status

Approved

About Asparagus

A low-calorie vegetable with high water content, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, often steamed or roasted to preserve its crunch and flavor

Nutrition Information

Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable, low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. One serving of cooked asparagus, approximately 125g, contains 20 kcal of energy.

It is an excellent source of vitamin C with 19.2 milligrams or about 32 percent of the recommended daily intake, and vitamin K with 67.7 micrograms or about 85 percent of the daily recommended intake. It also contains considerable amounts of vitamin B6, folate, and thiamine.

Asparagus is rich in minerals including potassium, with 236 milligrams or 6 percent of the daily recommended intake, and manganese, 202 milligrams or 10 percent of the daily intake. It is a good source of dietary fiber with 2.8g per serving.

In terms of its macronutrient composition, it is low in fat with 0.2g and has 3.3g of protein per serving. The total carbohydrate content is 2.9g, with the majority being non-digestible fiber.

Storage & Handling

High humidity and cold storage conditions are required to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Sensitive to ethylene production

Optimal Storage Conditions:
Temperature: 31-32°F (-0.5-0°C)
Humidity: 80-90%
Packaging: Breathable packaging or wrapped in plastic to prevent moisture loss, packed loosely to prevent crushing
Shelf Life: 14-21 days
Storage Notes: Handle with care to prevent damage. Maintaining a consistent refrigerator temperature and high humidity is crucial to extend shelf life.

Search PLU Codes

Tags
4521AsparagusAsparagus officinalisLargeVegetablesAsparagusApproved
Commodity Details
Commodity Key:
asparagus
Variety:
Green
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).