Asparagus. The vegetable that we look at knowingly… knowing what it will do to our pee. According to the book Why Do Men Have Nipples, Asparagus contains a sulfur compound called mercaptan. As I mention in my video, the smell occurs when this substance is broken down in the digestive system. Now, not all people have the gene for the enzyme that breaks down mercaptan, just like not all people have the gene that enables some of us to curl our tongues (I know- not related). Some people can eat all the asparagus in the world without the odour. I am sure you are aware of my ongoing astonishment at the research studies that get grants, but one such “what’s the point” research study that was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that only 46 percent of the British people tested produced the odor while 100 percent of French people tested did.
There are many other interesting facts about asparagus aside from it’s ability to make pee smell funny.
For example- did you know that asparagus is part of the lily family? A family of veggies that also includes onions, leeks, and garlic. Also- if you are all into gardening and know the difference between annuals and perennials, you may already know that Asparagus are perennials, meaning it has the ability to produce spears year after year from the same plant.
Asparagus also makes us want to have sex. Traditionally, a concoction of asparagus roots boiled in wine and taken while fasting apparently stirs up a little lust. Although its root is still used in medicines and has traditionally been used to treat a range of things from heart attacks to toothaches, it is the asparagus stalk that has been regarded as an aphrodisiac. Being blatantly phallic is one obvious point about the asparagus stalks. Another is the presence of a substantial amounts of aspartic acid, an amino acid that neutralizes the excess amounts of ammonia. Ammonia, which also makes an appareance with high meat protein diets, lingers in our bodies and make us tired and sexually disinterested. Aspartic acid takes care of that little modd killer.
I like to eat my asparagus lightly steamed- just until it is a bright green colour but still crunchy. And sometimes I like to dress it up in a cute outfit, such as my creamy ginger dressing.
Creamy Ginger Dressing
1 Tbs Tamari
1 Tbs Maple Syrup
1 Tbs Ginger Root, chopped fine or grated
1 Clove of garlic, chopped fine or minced
1 Tbs Pumpkin Seed butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
1/4 lemon, juiced
2-3 Tbs water (or as needed)
Raw Method
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Pour over veggie of choice or simply enjoy as a dip.
Cooked Method
- Add water to sauce pan or pot
- Add all ingredients to pot and stir gently, mixing ingredients together.
- Keep on low heat as sauce begins to simmer
- Continue stirring until desired consistency is achieved.
- Spoon over veggies of choice.
I enjoyed mine on a bed of mixed greens with some steamed beets. Pretty, isn’t it?
Pretty because of all that green! Join the Green Smoothie movement with a group supported 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. Let’s do it together on June 7th! Awesome way to kick start the summer!
I just bought two packs of asparagus to have with dinner tonight. Your sauce looks mighty tasty!
I love asparagus, however, i never had your dad’s problem! i must be one of the lucky minority… however… a question. Am I doing myself an injustice by lightly peeling the stalks? I have for years, and must admit it tasts even better….
Right, because I needed yet ANOTHER asparagus recipe that looks good.
If I make it out to the farmer’s market on Saturday (first of the year!) I’ll buy some.
Hi Meghan!
Thanks for responding to my email! Your service sounds awesome! Unfortunately I will be moving in the next month or two but once I am settled in my new place and am making some new friends, I could take you up on the offer.
I love asparagus but it really hurts my tummy. I eat it from time to time anyway- haha
Great recipe!!
Have a great day!
Hi Meghan – Thanks for your comment on my blog! I’m having so much fun exploring your site. You seem to have such an infectious passion for healthy eating. It’s wonderful!
Your hair is so cute. Not out of control. I have curly hair too and I love it, it makes us different
I like your plates!!
Ahh the pee smell. I read one study that said that everybody’s pee smelled after ingesting asparagus but only SOME people could actually smell it. Could you imagine being part of a study where you had to smell other people’s pee?
I love to eat asparagus in a frittata.
[...] I bring you another bowl! This one features local sugar snap peas, millet, and Meghan’s Creamy Ginger Dressing. Using the same idea as the Bulgur bowl, I layered the grain (millet) with sautéed sugar snap [...]
wow, i made this dressing and it is wonderful, thank you!
Elain- I suppose you might be losing out on some of the minerals and insoluble fibre but whatever it takes to eat it- do it!
Coconutgal- Thanks! My mom is a ceramic designer. It is her work.
TeachyGreen: That made me giggle. Thanks… needed it this afternoon. And again- why the study?