Asparagus price

Asparagus

The everyday diet should be composed of fresh vegetables and fruit to ensure health. One of the most healthy and rich in nutritious vegetables that should be included in our diet is asparagus. This plant is known since the 5th century BC and was used as a healing plant. Asparagus is a rich source of vitamins K, C, A, B as well as minerals such as phosphorus, iron, selenium, and magnesium. Green asparagus is easily digestible and is healthy for the kidneys and the liver. The vegetable varies in color and can be found in white, purple, or green. It is characterized by its long stems with scale-like leaves. White asparagus grows over the ground, while the green ones grow underground.

Asparagus requires sandy loam soil that is fertile and rich in nutrients. It is worth remembering that wet and heavy soil is not suitable for the cultivation of asparagus. The soil should be fertilized in the fall with well-decomposed compost and mineral fertilizers. Acidic soil and clay make it very difficult to cultivate. Asparagus may be cultivated from spring to the middle of summer.

This vegetable has many beneficial effects on the human body. They are rich in sterols which help to lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. They show a diuretic effect, so they will be suitable for people struggling with urinary tract infections. The compound known as asparagine improves the functioning of the kidneys, the circulatory system, and the condition of the eyes. Asparagus is not recommended for people suffering from kidney stones and gout as the vegetable may cause the accumulation of uric acid in the body, which in the case of such people is extremely dangerous.

Asparagus is usually eaten boiled or steamed. They are often served with butter, vinaigrette, or mustard sauce. They are also sometimes served with olive oil, lemon juice, and thyme.

The leading producer of asparagus worldwide is undeniably China. It produces up to 7.35 million metric tons each year and it indicates a growing tendency. Almost 80% of the total country’s production takes place in Hebei, Henan, Shanxi, Fujian, and Shandong provinces. China also specializes in the production of the white variety. The second-largest producer is Peru with a total number of 376645 metric tons being produced annually. Mexico is the third-largest producer of this vegetable with 119789 tons produced each year. Mexican asparagus, especially from the Caborca region, is vastly exported to the USA. The biggest European production of asparagus takes place in Germany.

Global asparagus production

According to the latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global asparagus production has increased significantly in recent years. In 2016, FAO estimates that there were 2.3 million tonnes of asparagus produced worldwide, up from 1.9 million tonnes in 2013. The majority of this increase is due to increased production in China, which is now the world's largest asparagus producer. In 2016, China produced 1.1 million tonnes of asparagus, up from 0.8 million tonnes in 2013. Other major asparagus-producing countries include Peru, Mexico, and the United States. Peru is the second largest asparagus producer in the world, with an estimated production of 0.46 million tonnes in 2016. This is a significant increase from Peru's 2013 production of 0.28 million tonnes. Mexico is the third largest asparagus producer, with an estimated production of 0.45 million tonnes in 2016. The United States is the fourth largest asparagus producer, with an estimated production of 0.24 million tonnes in 2016. Asparagus is a popular vegetable around the world and is used in a variety of dishes. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and is a good source of fiber. Asparagus can be eaten cooked or raw and is often used as a garnish or side dish.