Can You Eat Asparagus Raw? Food Facts You Should Know

This article covers everything about “Can you eat asparagus raw?” Asparagus is nothing but a flowering plant. Asparagus officinalis is its scientific name.

Moreover, it falls under the Lily family. The shoots of Asparagus are utilized as vegetables. But can you eat asparagus raw? It’s a vegetable. So, is it possible to consume it raw?

However, in some dishes, it can stand out individually. This vegetable comes in various colours. Nonetheless, green asparagus is more widely used. With proper knowledge, some nutritious asparagus dishes can be prepared. 

1. Nutritive Value Of Asparagus

Nutritional profile of asparagus for 100 g 

• Energy: 20 Kcal
• Fat: 0.12 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Dietary fibre: 2.1 g
• Sugars: 1.88 g
• Protein: 2.2 g
• Vitamin A: 38 μg
• Vitamin C: 5.6 mg
• Folate: 52 μg
• Zinc: 0.54 mg
• Calcium: 24 mg
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Iron: 2.14 mg
• Phosphorus: 52 mg

Key-

• Kcal: Kilocalories
• mg: milligrams 
• g: gram
• μg: micrograms

2. Benefits Of Asparagus

2.1 Lowers Blood Pressure 

Potassium is essential for the kidneys, heart, nerves, and bones. It helps to control the performance of these organs. However, asparagus contains asparagine. It’s a compound that inhibits the process of ACE. 

Asparagusic acid and arginine are the components of asparagine. It lowers the blood pressure. However, by improving the blood flow, it’s maintained. 

2.2 Fights With Cancer 

Asparagus is rich in glutathione. It’s highly effective in fighting with carcinogens. However, glutathione is a compound that breaks down free radicals. Moreover, it can be specified as a detoxifying blend. 

Moreover, carcinogens are the cancer-causing agents. These multiply rapidly and spread in a vast area. Consuming asparagus can help in combat with these agents. It creates protection from colon, breast, and lung cancers. 

2.3 Essential For Brain

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Asparagus has anti-aging properties. Moreover, it also fights cognitive diseases. It insists the brain to resist these diseases. Like other green vegetables, asparagus is also rich in vitamins and minerals. 

Asparagus is rich in folate. It works efficiently with folate. Asparagus paired with fish and poultry makes a great formula. Moreover, it inhibits any kind of cognitive impairment.

In older age, absorption of B12 is decreased. To initiate it. Adding green vegetables to the diet is essential. 

2.4 Rich In Antioxidant 

Free radicals are the main elements for cell damage. To neutralize it, intake of asparagus is essential. The components of asparagus are effective in turning it around. However, it lowers inflammation and delays aging. 

2.5 Diuretic Plant

Asparagus is rich in amino acids. It has an abundant amount of asparagine. However, this amino acid works as a diuretic. This helps to improve urination. Thus, it insists on exceeding extra salts from the body.  

Moreover, it’s essential for edema patients. When fluid accumulates in the body tissues, then edema is caused. On the other hand, asparagus is good for heart patients, too. It assists in maintaining heart functioning. 

3. Can You Eat Asparagus Raw? 

So, can you eat asparagus raw? There is a belief that cooked vegetables are more valuable. Uncooked or raw vegetables aren’t very helpful. It’s a wrong concept.

Consuming some raw vegetables is better and more nourishing. However, asparagus is one of them. But can you eat asparagus raw?

Well, the answer is yes. It has amazing benefits when consumed raw. It can sound odd, but it’s true. Some nutrients range lower when it’s cooked.

Moreover, 52% of vitamin C is depleted when it’s cooked. So, to utilize more vitamin C, raw asparagus should be eaten. 

Asparagus is full of dietary fibre. Moreover, it’s inadequate in calories. The range of these nutrients is maintained when consumed raw.

Although the presence of antioxidants in it controls carcinogens. Carcinogens are cancer-producing agents.  

Wasting raw is the best choice to get the maximum nutrients from asparagus. However, cooking changes the texture of asparagus. The stem also becomes tender. But the nutrient content is lessened.

Nonetheless, for the crunchy texture, raw asparagus is considered. 

4. How You Can Choose Good Quality Asparagus For Consumption? 

It’s confusing to choose which asparagus is better for consumption. Some dots can help you choose the best ones. The top of the asparagus should be dark purple or green. This suggests that the vegetable is of good quality. 

However, the stalk should have a smooth surface. The tender stalk determines this smoothness. Nonetheless, if smoothness is not obtained, then it’s not appropriate for eating. 

After the stalk, it’s time for the bottom section. This part of the asparagus should be fleshy. These points should be observed while picking asparagus.  However, they should be stored in a water jar. 

Just like other vegetables, asparagus should be rinsed properly. This will benefit in putting off the dirt. It should be dried properly before cutting. However, the white section of it should be cut properly. 

The stems should be peeled before any preparation. However, the thin shave removes the upper skin of it. Moreover, it’s an optional step. 

5. Raw Asparagus Recipes

5.1 Raw Asparagus Salad With Fresh Herbs 

It’s one of the best recipes. In this dish, raw asparagus is tossed with other ingredients. It’s a healthy food with various nutrients.   

5.1.1 Ingredients 

• Sliced raw asparagus 
• Mint leaves
• Basil leaves
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil
• Vegetable oil
• Rice vinegar
• Lime juice 
• Garlic 
• Jalapeno 
• Ginger 
• Salt

5.1.2 For Dressing 

In a large bowl, vegetable and sesame oil should be mixed. With it, rice vinegar and brown sugar should be added. However, these ingredients should be mixed properly. Then soy sauce should be added.

Along with it, juice is added too. All these elements should be whisked properly. At the end, ginger, jalapeno, and garlic are added. 

5.1.3 Preparation 

After preparing the dressing, it’s time for the main elements. The raw asparagus needs to be added to the dressing. Along with it, chopped mint and basil leaves are also put in.

Moreover, add salt according to taste. All these elements should be mixed well. Now the salad is ready.

For an hour, it should be refrigerated. This should be done for 1-2 hours. However, you can refrigerate it overnight also. Before serving, you should check the seasonings.

Nonetheless, add the seasonings to balance the taste. 

Some almonds can be sprinkled before serving. Moreover, it’s an optional ingredient. This salad can be served with the main dish. It will go well with poultry dishes or steaks. 

5.2 Asparagus Soup 

5.2.1 Ingredients 

• Asparagus stalks 
• Canned broth
• Black pepper
• Lemon juice 
• Salt 
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream 

5.2.2 Preparation

First, asparagus stalks should be blended properly. In that smooth puree, pepper and salt should be added. Just like other soups, the puree should be simmered.

Then, the other ingredients should be added gradually. However, a good mix should be given.

Now it’s ready to serve. The soup needs to be refrigerated for a cold soup. 

6. FAQs

6.1 Does asparagus contain toxins?

Asparagus doesn’t contain any toxins. It’s far to consume asparagus. However, consuming raw asparagus is also safer. 

6.2 Can asparagus detox the body?

Yes, asparagus can detox the body. This is because of the existence of glutathione. However, it inhibits the carcinogens from performing. Additionally, it’s necessary for the kidneys, too. Asparagus insist on clearing oxalic and uric acids from the kidneys. 

6.3 Is asparagus safe for pregnant women? 

It’s safe for pregnant women to consume asparagus. Moreover, it doesn’t possess any toxins that can terminate the pregnancy. 

6.4 Is it secure to eat the faded part of asparagus? 

The faded part of the asparagus should be chopped off. This section is hard to digest. It can cause digestive problems. Moreover, it can also cause diarrhea after consumption. 

7. The Bottom Line 

Raw asparagus has a different flavour and texture. However, it provides multiple nutrients to the organs. It can be a good choice of coleslaw. Asparagus can be added to smoothies to improve nutrients.

Moreover, with kiwis, avocados, etc., it can go well. On the other hand, juices can also be an option. For running consistency, water can be added to the mixture. We hope we covered everything on “can you eat asparagus raw?”

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