National Asparagus Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Asparagus Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Asparagus Day is observed on May 24th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Asparagus Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you need know about National Asparagus Day.

📅 What day is National Asparagus Day 2024?

In 2024, National Asparagus Day is on Wednesday, May 24th. It is the 4th Wednesday in May; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the exciting details and facts about May 24, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

We eagerly anticipate National Asparagus Day on May 24th, a day dedicated to celebrating and indulging in this delicious vegetable. Asparagus production in the US primarily takes place in California, Michigan, and Washington, with its peak season occurring during the spring. This timing makes it a perfect addition to cookouts and barbecues. Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in various ways such as pan-searing, frying, roasting, or grilling. It is not only tasty but also highly nutritious, being a good source of fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E.

📜 National Asparagus Day History

European settlers introduced asparagus to North America in 1655, bringing the vegetable from Europe. Notable mentions of asparagus in the New World can be found in Adriaen van der Donck’s account of Dutch farming methods and William Penn’s advertisement for Pennsylvania in 1685.

Currently, the majority of asparagus production in the United States comes from California, Michigan, and Washington. In 2019, the country’s total asparagus output was 84.39 million pounds, with an average yield of approximately 4,076 pounds per acre.

Growing asparagus is a time-consuming process, taking up to three years from planting to harvest. However, once planted, the plants can continue to produce spears for many years. Hand-picking each spear is labor-intensive, as it involves excavating it to a depth of nine inches and then clipping it at the base.

Despite the labor involved, asparagus remains a popular food and is highly regarded. Oceana County, Michigan has been celebrating the National Asparagus Festival for 46 years, highlighting the significance of this vegetable.

✅ National Asparagus Day Facts

🔖 It requires patience
It requires a period of three years, starting from the planting of the seed until the crops are fully grown and ready for harvest.

🔖 Salt was the original herbicide
In order to manage the growth of unwanted plants, such as weeds, modern farmers often resort to using chemical pesticides. However, in the past, rock salt was commonly employed as an alternative method.

🔖 It was used as an offering
The ancient Greeks and Romans used it as an offering to the gods.

👍 Why Is National Asparagus Day Important

What can you make out of spinach? Should I sauté it? Put it in a salad? What can you make out of asparagus? You can air fry it, bake it, grill it, add it to eggs, toss it in a salad, and so much more. That is cause for rejoicing.

Asparagus not only contains fiber and folate, but it is also high in saponins, a type of phytonutrient linked to a lower cancer risk and aiding in blood pressure regulation, blood sugar regulation, and blood lipid control.

Asparagus includes the chemical asparagine, an alkaloid that directly affects our body’s cells and aids in fat breakdown. Asparagus also contains a substance that aids in the removal of waste from the body, thereby lowering fat levels.

🙂 How To Observe National Asparagus Day

⚡ Try a new recipe

⚡ Attend a festival
During a festival, you have the opportunity to express your love for asparagus alongside fellow enthusiasts. You can choose between visiting Hart, Michigan or heading to the United Kingdom to indulge in this shared passion.

⚡ Visit a farm
Eating is usually a fun way to celebrate, so why not try something new? Whatever your heart desires, you can bake cheesy sheet pan asparagus or add it to a frittata.

📅 When is National Asparagus Day?

See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Asparagus Day. So be sure to check back soon.