Purple Asparagus for Shoesy and LaidBack

[Megan]

Further to our chat yesterday

if you google Purple Asparagus in Google images and you will see it. It comes from Italy so I am sure you will find in Paris - LB will have been to the markets by now so he may already be sitting down with a fine wine and a bowl of purple asparagus

Purple asparagus

Purple asparagus originated from a region around Albenga, Italy. This "cultivar" is known as Violetto d/Albenga. Although the spears are of deep purple color, the ferns are actually green. The farmers in Albenga region propagate the plants using seeds from open pollination. Seeds are usually collected from vigorous female plants producing large spears.


Purple hybrids produce larger spears but fewer in number per plant than the green hybrids.


Purple asparagus is much sweeter and more tender than green asparagus. Thus, it is very suitable for use in salad.


Purple asparagus retains its color after brief cooking such as quick sautéing. But it loses its purple and changes to green if subjected to prolonged cooking.

[Shoesy]

Thanks so much Megan! Gotta try that pretty purple vegetable one day.........looks good.