I have had quite an adventure learning about asparagus over these past two months. I am absolutely fascinated by it! How can it grow 4-9 inches a day or sometimes even in a few hours? I was not aware of the growth rate of the plant when I first began harvesting and it completely took me by surprise! I had to start harvesting it two times a day because it grew so quickly and I wanted to cut the spears before they opened too much. For a short period of time, I struggled cutting the spears because I was not sure how they needed to look. It was not long before I fell into a healthy rhythm learning exactly which ones needed to be cut and which ones could afford to wait a couple more hours.
As the weeks went on, I formed a very personal relationship with the asparagus. I would notice which areas the asparagus grew the best in and which areas needed more love and attention. Regularly, I had conversations with them. I explained to them how I thought they were such a miraculous plant, and that I wanted to help them in any way I could to create a better environment for them. Day after day, harvesting asparagus became a peaceful meditation for me. Each morning I woke up and walked row by row, bending down every foot, and took my time to make sure I did not miss any hidden spears! That was a challenge! I started to look forward to harvesting it each day because I felt so energized and happy afterward. My excitement for it actually got to the point where I only saw asparagus when I closed my eyes to go to sleep at night.
Because of my time working at this farm I have a new appreciation for this plant. I look forward to going home and trying to grow it there! I will learn to be okay with the fact that it will not grow up to nine inches a day, and I will not be able to harvest it year-round.
I will always remember the day that one asparagus grew a foot in the afternoon! Submitted by Sarah Robertson, Intern
Nutritional factoids: Asparagus is very high in protein, low in carbs and calories, packed with vitamins C, Riboflavin, and Folic Acid. Asparagus have a potent antioxidant effect and also has anti viral and anti fungal properties. Asparagus supports kidney health, lowers blood pressure and stimulates hair growth. New research is confirming asparagus potent anti tumor effects.
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