Oh to the ASPARAGUS!

A couple weeks ago I was sitting at a restaurant and to help time pass they have these random little tid bits you can read, so after reading it I put it my purse to blog about and totally forgot about it until I bumped into it this morning.

Can you pass the . . .

ASPARAGUS TEST?

We can't give you a million dollars, but if you answer the questions correctly and eat a lot of asparagus, we can assure you that you'll be much healthier.

Ready...?

1. The word "asparagus" is derived from what language?
2. What state grows most of the asparagus in the US?
3. What do asparagus, onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives and yucca have in common?
4. What is asparagus's best known nutritional value?
5. Does asparagus have aphrodisiac qualities?


ANSWER KEY
1. Greek, and the word means "sprout" or "shoot".

2. California. And, Stockton, CA is host to the Asparagus Festival in April. Make your reservations NOW as the attendance of asparagus enthusiasts has grown considerably over the past few years.

3. They are all in the Lily family!

4. It is the best vegetable provider of folic acid - necessary for blood and cell formation, as well as, liver disease prevention.

5. All through history asparagus has been trumpeted as an aphrodisiac. A 16th century Arabian love manual gave an asparagus recipe to create a stimulant for amorous desires. In his book "FOOD", write Waverly Root devotes a section to the sex life of the asparagus!