Asparagus has a long and distinguished history dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. Grown and harvested by Julius Ceasar. It is a delicacy in most places and savoured in the late spring to early summer. Asparagus is part of the Liliaceae plant family and is grown in rich composted soil. Care must be taken to make sure they are watered adequately and the pH is at about 6.5. Asparagus requires patience, because after planting the roots in the spring it will take 3 years to mature and be ready for harvest. But once the roots are mature the plants can be harvested for a good 15 to 20 years.

Europeans prefer their asparagus blanched, or white, so they mound the earth up 13" above the roots when planting and the stalks are then protected from the sun and will be white in colour. However the North American standard is green. No matter what colour you like, the taste is what people are after. There's nothing like a serving of steamed asparagus with a little butter to get the "spring" in your step.