Asparagus is a high-value, labor-intensive perennial vegetable. It is an early season crop that lends itself well to small-scale and part-time farming operations as well as direct-to-consumer retail marketers when combined with other crops. Asparagus is a low calorie, nutritious vegetable that is high in iron, fiber, and vitamins C and A; one cup of asparagus contains 3 grams of protein.
The word Asparagus is derived from the Greek word aspharagos meaning sprout or shoot. Asparagus is a member of the lily family and is related to garlic, onions, and leeks. It was first cultivated in Western Europe over 2,500 years ago and ancient Greeks and Romans believed the vegetable helped prevent bee stings, and helped with wounds, infections, and toothaches. Under ideal conditions, an asparagus spear can grow 10 in a 24- hour period.
There are three different kinds of asparagus: green, white and purple.
Spring Onion has a dark green hollow-tubed leaves and a white bulb. They are a versatile vegetable that is popular in Asian cuisines. An excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fibre, this vegetable is available year-round in Thailand. Spring onions belong to the same family of vegetables as garlic, leeks and chives. The Straightleaf is the main variety of spring onion found in supermarkets and fresh food markets. Other selections of this variety include the Dynasty Winter King and Summer King.
