77 Wild Asparagus
Names
Common Name – Wild Asparagus
Scientific Name: Asparagus officinalis
Other Names: Sparrowgrass, garden asparagus
Figure 1. Mature asparagus on a trail near Kamloops, BC.
Image Source: https://kamloopstrails.net/news/wild-asparagus/
The young shoots of wild asparagus are an important food source. While low in calories, asparagus contains many vitamins and minerals and is high in protein and dietary fiber which is important for digestive health and may help reduce the risk of diabetes. Wild asparagus also contains saponins, flavonoids and sterols.
Figure 2. Young Asparagus Shoots in the Similkameen region.
Image Source: https://infotel.ca/inwine/okanagan-asparagus-season-is-underway/it82118
The dietary fibre in asparagus contains high quantities of pectin (structure shown below), as well as cellulose and lignin. It is also interesting to note that, although the young shoots are eaten because the taste and texture becomes less palatable as the stalks age, the young shoots actually contain more nutrients than the older shoots do as well.
Although edible, handling wild asparagus can cause dermatitis and so should be collected and handled with care. It is also possible to have an allergy to asparagus which may result in asthma- like symptoms.
References
[1] Chelh TC, Rincon-Cervera MA, Gomez-Mercado F, Lopez-Ruiz R, Gallon-Bedoya M, Ezzaitouni M, Guil-Guerrero 2023. Wild Asparagus Shoots Constitute a Healthy Source of Bioactive Compounds [Internet]. Molecules 28(15). [Accessed November 20 2024]
[2] Tabar AI, Alvarez-Puebla MJ, Gomez B, Sanchez-Monge R, Garcia BE, Echechipia S, Olaguibel JM, Salcedo 2004. Diversity of Asparagus Allergy: Clinical and Immunological Features [Internet]. Clinical Exp. Allergy, 34(1). [Accessed April 19 2025]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14720273/
[3] Guo Q, Wang N, Liu H, Li Z, Lu L, Wang C. (2020). The Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Asparagus offincinalis – A Review. Journal of Functional Foods 65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2019.103727
