Organic asparagus is grown without chemical pesticides or fungicides, and may require careful cleaning before use. Certification requirements vary by region, but generally include chemical-free soil and seeds. Growing organic asparagus at home requires sandy soil and organic compost, and can take up to two years to mature.
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 be marketed as an organic product. Because it is grown without pesticides, organic asparagus may need to be cleaned carefully before use. Growing organic asparagus is easy to do at home with the right type of soil and growing conditions.
Conventionally grown asparagus uses a variety of chemical sprays during the growing process. Pesticides help discourage bugs from finding and eating your vegetables, while fungicides keep 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 thorough washing. Those concerned about the possible side effects of consuming chemical pesticides and fungicides may want to look for organic produce, such as asparagus.
Although 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 chemical-free organic soil. Some regions also require that the seeds the crops come from must be certified organic. Additional requirements for certification may include that the land on which the asparagus is grown has been free of any pesticide use for several years. It can help to find out which certification body is responsible for organic labeling in a given region to determine which rules apply.
While organic asparagus is free from pesticides and other chemicals, that doesn’t mean it’s immediately ready for human consumption. Lack of pesticides can make the stems more likely to serve as a home for some insects, so thorough washing is recommended. To wash organic asparagus, fill a shallow bowl with enough hot water to cover the stems, then soak for a few minutes. Since asparagus is usually grown in sandy soil, whip the ends of the stems in the water to remove any trapped soil from the seed crevices.
Growing organic asparagus at home can be a great way to maintain complete control over the organic process. Asparagus needs sandy soil, usually 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 seedling growth. Sowing is usually done in late autumn or early winter; crown-grown asparagus can take about two years to reach full maturity.
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