All you ever really needed to know about asparagus spears

[ForrestGump]

Texture is the most important attribute for gauging the quality of asparagus. Asparagus undergoes a series of post-harvest modifications, which alter its texture and therefore its edibility. One of the chemical compounds related to asparagus texture is dietary fiber, which is also altered by the post-harvest modifications. These alterations increase fiber content, and therefore cause a greater rigidity due to the presence of lignin, which, together with cellulose and hemicellulose, causes toughening. This factor determines the acceptance or rejection of asparagus by the customer. Lignin undergoes a series of changes between ripening and consumption. These changes affect the cell structure of the spear and lead to the destruction and death of vegetable cells due to an infiltration of lignin in the internal structure of the cell wall. This lignin causes an increase in fiber content manifested by the different resistance to cutting of the spears. The fiber content may be conditioned by many factors and has been of great interest to evaluate the influence of each of these on the acceptability of asparagus with regard to its texture.


More here:

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0887/is_5_19/ai_62296757

[Spinzonner]

1. I thought stalking was against DU policy

[ForrestGump]

2. Stop casting asperges on my character

:P

[Spinzonner]

3. I've had my chloro-fill of this thread

[ForrestGump]

6. Sounds like time to go vegetate, then

[Angelus]

4. Interesting...

this still doesn't help it taste good. :)

[ForrestGump]

7. Can I have your share, then?

[Angelus]

11. Sure.

Take it all. :)

[girl gone mad]

5. Did Noam Chomsky write this..

by any chance?

[ForrestGump]

8. Whoever did write it isn't familiar with Messrs Strunk and White

Haven't seen so many 'which's in place since a reunion of my ex-wives.

I jest, of course -- I've only got the one which.

[Elidor]

9. Filthy, nasssssty assssparagusssss!!!

We hates it! Stew-pid fat hobbits can keep nassssty 'ssssparagusss!

[ForrestGump]

10. It's Popeye!

Here you go:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

12. You forgot

it makes your pee smell funny.

[ForrestGump]

13. *ahem* Um...NSMA..ixnay on the intimate secrets

People will talk.... :P

Besides, at least I leave the seat down when I'm finished.

[SarahB]

17. Counteract it with pineapple

Then it all tastes rather yummy. :P

[LWolf]

14. All you need to know version 2:

This is all you really need to know about asparagus spears:

Walk over to the asparagus bed. Snap stalks off when they are about 4-5 inches tall. Stand there and eat. Crisp, tender, yummy....

[flamingyouth]

15. I looooove fresh asparagus

:P

[brainshrub]

16. My Dad is going to open an asparagus farm in Argentina.

Strange, but true.

I have already emailed him the link.

[Blue-Jay]

18. Bleh.

I hate that shit.

[Buns_of_Fire]

19. My general rule of thumb is to not eat asparagus on any day...

...that contains the letter "A".

[AlCzervik]

20. My husband can't eat asparagus anymore

he had kidney stones and the doctor said that aspargus, chocolate, tea and peanuts have oxylates? in them making him produce more stones. I on the other hand love asparagus, especially oven roased with olive oil, lemon juice, feta cheese and bacon....mmmmmbacon.