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The Origins of Asparagus

OAGMB
May 1st, 2004

The word asparagus originates from the Greek language meaning "spout" or "shoot". Asparagus is a member of the lily family. Cultivation of asparagus began over 2,000 years ago in the eastern Mediterranean Region. Romans and Greeks alike ate asparagus for the rich flavour and medicinial qualities. The lily vegetable spread to all parts of the Medieterranean--from Egypt to Spain. France and England developed the tast for asparagus as a delicacy traced back to the 16th century gastronomic literature.

Asparagus came to America with the early colonists. Cultivation spread west to include Ontario, Michigan, California and Washington states.