Blooming marvellous food for mums-to-be

Asparagus is a rich source (more than 100mcg per serving) of folic acid in its natural form - folate. This is not only essential for a healthy diet, but is invaluable for women of childbearing age and expectant mothers. Folic acid has been shown to help stave off infection, boost iron absorption and reduce the likelihood of neural tube defects in the foetus.

A sensuous indulgence in more ways than one

So is asparagus really an aphrodisiac? Some might say this 'benefit' may be accredited more to the phallic shape of the spear than any scientific theory. Shayk al Nefzawi, a notorious writer of erotic works in the 16th Century would claim that a daily dish of asparagus: first boiled, then fried in fat with egg yolks and condiments, has 'great erotic effects.'

The question everyone asks - why does asparagus make wee smell weird?

This natural, harmless phenomenon is experienced by about half the population after eating asparagus. The strange smell (and sometimes green!) urine is due to sulphur-containing amino acids in asparagus that break down during digestion. The effect, however, is reassuringly short-lived.

Share your asparagus experiences on the forum

Maybe you've waited three long years to grow and harvest your own crop? Perhaps you've got a recipe that marries asparagus up with an unexpected ingredient. Share your observations and tips now with your fellow foodies on the forum, before the season ends.

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The vast majority of British asparagus is green and harvested between the end of April and mid June. Asparagus crowns will produce 8 to 12 spears, which are cut by hand using a very sharp Asparagus knife - a process that's remained unaltered for centuries. It's not possible to use mechanical intervention as the crowns and spears of asparagus are very delicate.

Our European neighbours produce a white variety that's been described as having a bittersweet flavour. It's grown in the dark to stop any colour developing and is more time consuming to cook as it needs to be peeled first. You're more likely to find it sold in cans than fresh.

Purple Asparagus has deep maroon spears and is mainly bred for it's beautiful colour. When cooked it goes back to being green, unless you only lightly blanch it.

The least well-known variety in England is Red Asparagus, called Jacques Ma. It's harvested in France and often eaten raw, again to preserve its unique hue.

Brits Grow It Better

Asparagus requires temperatures above 10°C before it grows and loves warm, dry, weather. So this year's spring really has been perfect. The temperate British climate allows asparagus stems to develop slowly, producing a full, sweet flavour and a fine, tender texture.

Do it yourself asparagus

There's a certain degree of mystique surrounding growing asparagus in our own gardens. The trickiest aspect is actually just being patient. This is because the asparagus crown needs to mature in the ground for three long years before it can be first cut. After that, it has an active life of around 15 years. Unbelievably, the oldest productive plant recorded reached a staggering 120 years.

Click here for more advice on how to grow asparagus and where to buy recommended cultivated varieties.

How asparagus is grown commercially

In 2006, 12.4% of British households bought asparagus from: supermarkets, local farm shops, farmers markets and directly from various online suppliers.

Nigel Cuthbert grows asparagus on Abottswood Farm in Tiverton. He's been harvesting since 6 am to get the crop in at its freshest. The 250g bundles are graded and held together with elastic bands.

He began his harvest this year on 16th April and has been cutting on a daily basis ever since. The Asparagus Growing Association estimated that the first crops would be picked on 24 April this year, so Nigel, and the tremendous weather, brought in the crop eight days early.

Aficionados shouldn't miss the Asparagus Festival

Bretforton in the Vale of Evesham hosts the quintessentially British Asparagus Festival, developed from the Asparagus auctions that used to take place here. This year the festival takes place between Sunday 27th May and Monday 4th June - offering the opportunity to taste, buy and learn about one of the country's most sought after delicacies. Click here to find out more information on the asparagus festival.

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