The fleshy green spears of asparagus are both succulent and tender and have been considered a delicacy since ancient times. Asparagus is a perennial, an almost leafless member of the lily family. The spears we eat are actually the shoots from an underground crown.
Asparagus is known for its detoxifying effects particularly on the kidneys and liver, is an excellent source of vitamin K, the B vitamin folate, vitamin C, vitamin A. Asparagus is a very good source of numerous B vitamins - including vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6 - as well as dietary fibre, manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium and protein.