Organic asparagus.
Organic asparagus is a type of vegetable grown from organic seeds and not treated with chemical pesticides or fungicides. In some regions, asparagus must be certified organic by a government agency in order to market it as organic. Since they are grown without pesticides, organic asparagus may need to be carefully cleaned before use. Growing organic asparagus is easy to do at home, with the right type of soil and growing conditions.
Organic steamed asparagus.
Conventionally grown asparagus use a variety of chemical sprays during the growing process. Pesticides help prevent insects from finding and eating vegetables, while fungicides prevent diseases from invading the crop. While these sprays can produce a larger harvest, scientific research has found that many chemical sprays remain on vegetables even after careful washing. Those who are concerned about the potential side effects of consuming chemical pesticides and fungicides may want to look into organic produce like asparagus.
Organic fruits and vegetables do not contain harmful pesticides.
While different regions have different criteria for determining which products can be labeled “organic,” the general rules tend to be similar. In most cases, certified organic asparagus must be grown without chemicals of any kind and must be grown in organic soil without chemicals. Some regions also require that the seeds from which the crop is grown must also be certified organic. Additional requirements for certification may include that the land on which the asparagus is grown be free of any pesticide use for several years. It can be helpful to find out which certification body is responsible for organic labeling in a given region to determine which standards apply.
Although organic asparagus does not contain pesticides and other chemicals, this does not mean that it is immediately ready for human consumption. The lack of pesticides can make the stems more likely to provide shelter for some insects, so washing them thoroughly is recommended. To wash organic asparagus, fill a shallow bowl with enough warm water to cover the stems and let soak for a few minutes. Since asparagus is generally grown in sandy soil, shake the ends of the stems in water to remove any dirt trapped in the cracks of the seeds.
Growing organic asparagus at home can be a great way to maintain full control over the organic process. Asparagus needs sandy soil, which can usually be found at garden supply centers. Organic compost can also be mixed as it provides the crop with the necessary potassium and phosphorus. Asparagus can be grown from the seeds of the vegetable or by planting asparagus crowns, which will already have seedlings growing. Sowing is usually done in late fall or early winter; Asparagus growing in the canopy can take about two years before reaching full maturity.