| Asparagus, perennial garden vegetable (Asparagus officinalis) of the family Liliaceae (lily family), native to the E Mediterranean area and now naturalized over much of the world. With its uniquely delicate flavor and texture, asparagus is the quintessential "luxury" vegetable. Enjoy it in season, when the price goes down: Asparagus contains a good supply of folate (folic acid), as well as some vitamin C and, in green asparagus, some beta-carotene. Asparagus also contains the phytochemical glutathione, which has antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. |
