Asparagus

There are three varieties of asparagus – green, purple and
white. The green variety is most common. Asparagus spears
are harvested as they emerge through the soil from the
underground crowns. Typically, spears (shoots) are cut when
they reach approximately 23 cm (9 in). The plant grows best
in a fresh, sandy soil. The spears are not cut until the second
or third year. Once used as a medicine, asparagus spears
are rich in vitamin A and ascorbic acid.