There are many asparagus varieties and asparagus.
The taste difference between different asparagus varieties are subtle.
I do personally like the flavor from thinner asparagus spears better than the thicker spears. And of course, my husband is the opposite of me and prefers the thicker spears.
I love growing asparagus in my garden. After waiting a couple years, we get to harvest asparagus and enjoy it’s deliciousness in the spring for years to come.
The Asparagus plant traces its origins to Siberia South Africa, North Africa, Asia, and Europe and comes in different varieties.
Table of Contents
How can you tell a male from a female asparagus?
Also, it’s important to add that they are a dioecious plant meaning there are male and female plants.
Male plants are believed to provide better spear production than female plants.
Although there is a mix of male and female plants, many gardeners choose to grow all male asparagus.
Female asparagus are easy to identify as they produce bright red berries that are toxic to humans.
Asparagus Varieties
Here are some varieties you might like to grow in your garden:
Pacific Purple:
produces bright purple spears with a mild flavor.
Zones: 3-9
Purple Passion:
vibrant purple spears, sweeter and more tender than some of the green varieties. This is a very popular variety to grow and I’ve heard many people say purple passion asparagus is the best-tasting variety. I actually can’t tell the difference though.
Zones: 3-10
Jersey Giant:
sweet-flavored, male plants with high yields. They are resistant to many diseases.
Zones: 3-10
Mary Washington:
the most popular variety and planted early in the season. They are rust-resistant and produce long, thick, and tender shoots. I think this is probably my favorite variety, just because we had thinner spears with this variety in our garden.
Zones: 3-9
Jersey Supreme:
male plants that can tolerate cold temperatures and resist many diseases. It is a variation of Jersey Knight.
Zones: 3-8
Jersey Knight:
predominantly male plants and highly resistant to most asparagus diseases.
Zones: 3-10
UC 157:
the best choice for heavy production and commercial variety. It is highly Fusarium tolerant as well as rust tolerant.
Zones: 3-11
AsparaBest:
another male heavy producing variety. It can withstand a cold climate.
Zones: 3-8
Precoce D’Argenteuil:
both male and female plants. It classifies under heirloom variety and has rose colored buds.
Zones: 4a-8b
Princeville:
thrives very well in warmer climates.Zones: 3-8
How healthy is Asparagus?
Asparagus is a vegetable with many health benefits. Filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it is also a rich source of dietary fiber.
Studies suggest that a cup of cooked asparagus contains Vitamins A, C, K, E, and potassium. It also has diuretic properties, to help regulate blood pressure.
Some of the health benefits derived from asparagus are:
Helps in fighting cancer
The fiber contents are essential for good digestive system
It can help you maintain a healthy weight due to its low calorie properties
The anti inflammatory nutrients are essential for fighting type 2 diabetes
The folate content in asparagus is good for fetus development thereby improving pregnancy health
It aids in healthy vision
The calcium nutrients help in alleviating rheumatic pains in joints.
Make sure to save this for later!
