Potential Health Advantages

Asparagus comes from the young tender shoots of the Asparagus officinalis species harvested before the buds open and start to "fern out". After this period the asparagus shoot, commonly referred to as a "spear" will soon become too woody to eat. Asparagus species were once classified in the Lily family, along with Allium vegetables, but now find their new botanical place in the asparagus family called Asparagaceae. Agave and yucca, both of which can look like a giant asparagus stalk, are also found in this category of plants.