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as a species, asparagus is native to many different locations around the world — from siberia to the mediterranean to southern africa, according to britannica . the vegetable was grown as both an ornamental plant for decorative purposes and as food, depending on the specific type of asparagus.
canadian asparagus is primarily grown in ontario, quebec, and british columbia, according to the canadian encyclopedia , with roughly 7,000 tons of the green being produced nationally each year.
china is the world’s leader in asparagus production, german data company statista writes . the country produces more than 7.3 million metric tons of the vegetable each year, while the second largest producer, peru, produces just 370,000 metric tons.
the green is packed with vitamin a, c, e, and k, as well as fibre and folate, according to eating well . as perhaps one of the less known vitamins, the harvard school of public health says k helps with circulation, supports the development of proteins that play an important role in blood clotting, and builds bones.
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asparagusic acid is the culprit behind the scent, the cleveland clinic’s website says. the acid breaks down into sulphur containing byproducts after being eaten, which evaporate when you start peeing. those byproducts in the air is what that produces the smell in the bathroom.
some people can also experience gas and bloating after eating the veggie, and there is also potential for diarrhea for those who are sensitive to fodmaps, or fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, livestrong says .
on its own, asparagus can last up to four days in the fridge before it starts to go bad, according to does it go bad . there are ways to extend that, however. wrapping the vegetable in a wet paper towel or sealing it in a jar with water can extend the fresh period from one to two weeks.
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