Asparagus Pea

The asparagus pea is one of the prettiest vegetables on the planet. It is a scrambling plant native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, where it is a common spring-blooming wildflower. Growing around 15cm tall and 60cm wide, the plant has small trifoliate leaves, and deep crimson flowers.

Its nutty, asparagus-flavoured pods are extremely popular in the Mediterranean and an expensive delicacy in Australia. This delicious, ornamental plant is so easy to grow and cook – try it sautéed, steamed, stir-fried, battered and deep-fried, or pickled and the scarlet flowers are a beautiful garnish.

Harvest pods when approximately 2.5cm long.  Asparagus pea is easy to cultivate. It needs average moisture, full sun, and ordinary soil. It needs a long growing season to flower and fruit properly, so start it indoors in cooler areas.

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