history
of asparagus
The word
asparagus originates from the Greek language meaning "sprout"
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 flavor and medicinal qualities.
The lily vegetable spread to all parts of the Mediterranean; from Egypt to Spain. France and England developed the taste for asparagus as a delicacy traced back to 16th century gastronomic literature.
Asparagus came to America with the early colonists. Cultivation spread west to include New Jersey, Michigan, California and Washington State
Asparagus Time Line
| 2000 Years ago |
Asparagus is native to the Mediterranean area of southern Europe. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed asparagus had medicinal qualities for helping prevent bee stings and relieve toothaches. Ancient Greeks gathered wild asparagus. Ancient Romans first developed gardening techniques to grow asparagus. |
| 1600’s | King Louis the XIV of France had gardeners grow asparagus in greenhouses so he could enjoy asparagus year round. |
| 1700’s | Dutch and English colonists brought asparagus to America and planted it in New England. |
| 1850’s | Asparagus was brought to Northern California and planted around Stockton. |
| 1920’s | In California, asparagus was first loaded onto steamboats and then placed on railroad cars to be transported to the East Coast of the United States. |
