Valamar Blog

Spring is right around the corner and I can’t wait for it to come! I love the spring, sun, blossoming trees and the one and only asparagus – the spring fairy. The name “asparagus” comes from the Greek word “asparagus”, meaning sprout. This is a very healthy plant. You can often read that asparagus are of a very low energy and an extremely high nutritive value, due to the abundance of minerals and vitamins found in them. They contain high levels of potassium, phosphor, sulphur, calcium and magnesium, and they also contain many microelements, such as iron, copper, zinc, fluorine and iodine. The asparagus plant also contains rutin, a substance strengthening the blood vessels and protecting the capillaries from damage. Although the asparagus still hasn’t been officially acclaimed as a plant with therapeutic effects, it has a beneficial effect when constipation is concerned; it is also recommended to people who suffer from anaemia; it is used to treat the eczema and it is an excellent choice of food for diabetics. However, its most significant feature is the fact that it is a diuretic since it helps people with urinating problems.

Only soft tips are used while preparing wild asparagus dishes. An interesting fact is that the asparagus is one of the oldest self-grown Mediterranean cultures, which was grown back in the ancient times. I have also learned that the old Egyptians knew how to appreciate its wealth: apart form eating it, they offered the wild asparagus growing along River Nile to the Gods, as a gift, and even asparagus paintings were found in the pharaohs’ tombs. What’s the best way to prepare it? Well, I don’t know if I know the answer to that; it is great with scrambled eggs (fritaja), in a goulash or in a soup. When I think about it, do try the asparagus goulash with homemade gnocchi; there’s nothing like it!

However, you need to pick the asparagus first! Don’t be frightened if you see somebody with scratches all over their hands, staring at the bushes and paying attention to nothing else. It’s all right – that’s the way to look for asparagus. J