Purple Asparagus: Green vs. Purple Asparagus Explained

Asparagus plants come in three different colors: green, white, and purple. The purple variety was first developed in Italy and is not particularly common in the United States. You can occasionally find it at specialty grocery stores and farmers’ markets during the spring. You can also grow your own. Purple asparagus plants are bare root plants that are best planted in early spring in USDA hardiness zones three through eight.

There are more differences between purple and green asparagus than those that meet the eye.

• Sugar content: Purple asparagus has a higher sugar content than green asparagus, with about twenty percent more sugar in each stalk.
• Texture: Purple asparagus has a less fibrous texture than green and white asparagus.
• Nutritional value: Compared to purple asparagus, green asparagus has higher levels of potassium, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Look for these cultivated varieties of asparagus at specialty grocery stores or your local farmer’s market.

1. 1. ‘Pacific Purple’: Originally bred in New Zealand, this variety produces a high volume of exceptionally large asparagus spears. It is less fibrous than green varieties and has a mild, nutty flavor.
2. 2. ‘Purple Passion’: ‘Purple Passion’ asparagus produces smoky, purple asparagus stalks with flecks of green on their crowns. They will turn green when exposed to heat, but their tender flesh is delicious when dressed with a vinaigrette and eaten raw in an asparagus salad.
3. 3. ‘Erasmus’: This purple variety is notable for being one hundred percent male, which produces a high yield. It has an intense, dark purple color.

Purple asparagus tend to lose their color when exposed to heat, so consider grilling or blanching them quickly to preserve their color and reach optimal tenderness. For a simple side dish, toss fresh asparagus with a little extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper before quickly cooking on the grill. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a dusting of parmesan cheese for a delicious, bright, springtime meal. Roasted asparagus pairs especially well with a side of hollandaise sauce. When asparagus season comes to a close, asparagus can be easily preserved by freezing or pickling the spears.

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