Asparagus is in peak season right now, and every time I eat it I'm reminded of a book I had to read for homework many years ago. Or more specifically, about 30 minutes after I eat asparagus.
In the book, the narrator describes how eating asparagus "transforms my chamberpot into a flask of perfume."
Interestingly, only about 40 percent of the population know what he's talking about — at least firsthand. But briefly, a sulfur-based compound in asparagus (which is related to the substance in asparagus' cousin, the onion, that makes your eyes water when you slice it) causes your pee to smell like — well, like a flask of perfume.
And since no more than about 40 percent of people notice the effect themselves, it was originally thought that asparagus only reacted this way in certain people's bodies. But it turns out that asparagus turns everyone who eats it into a perfume factory. The difference is that only 40 percent of the population are capable of smelling it.
Asparagus is one of the most versatile and flavorful veggies, and it's definitely one of my favorites. Not everyone feels the same, though, and I don't know if it's because of the pee thing, which to me is certainly remarkable, but not necessarily unpleasant. Instead, I suspect it's because asparagus is so often overcooked. Boiling it too long is the biggest culprit here.
Not that boiling isn't a good way to cook asparagus; you just have to be careful. Still, possibly my favorite way of cooking asparagus is to grill it. Roasting is also a great technique, and so is sautéeing. So check out How to Cook Asparagus. Maybe you're one of the lucky 40 percent. And here are a few more asparagus recipes:
via:http://culinaryarts.about.com/b/2014/04/11/how-to-cook-asparagus.htm
In the book, the narrator describes how eating asparagus "transforms my chamberpot into a flask of perfume."
Interestingly, only about 40 percent of the population know what he's talking about — at least firsthand. But briefly, a sulfur-based compound in asparagus (which is related to the substance in asparagus' cousin, the onion, that makes your eyes water when you slice it) causes your pee to smell like — well, like a flask of perfume.
And since no more than about 40 percent of people notice the effect themselves, it was originally thought that asparagus only reacted this way in certain people's bodies. But it turns out that asparagus turns everyone who eats it into a perfume factory. The difference is that only 40 percent of the population are capable of smelling it.
Asparagus is one of the most versatile and flavorful veggies, and it's definitely one of my favorites. Not everyone feels the same, though, and I don't know if it's because of the pee thing, which to me is certainly remarkable, but not necessarily unpleasant. Instead, I suspect it's because asparagus is so often overcooked. Boiling it too long is the biggest culprit here.
Not that boiling isn't a good way to cook asparagus; you just have to be careful. Still, possibly my favorite way of cooking asparagus is to grill it. Roasting is also a great technique, and so is sautéeing. So check out How to Cook Asparagus. Maybe you're one of the lucky 40 percent. And here are a few more asparagus recipes:
via:http://culinaryarts.about.com/b/2014/04/11/how-to-cook-asparagus.htm
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