How to grow Asparagus pea

How to grow Asparagus Pea - Introduction

Asparagus Pea, Lotus tetragobolonus, is an unusual vegetable which has a unique flavour, a bit like a cross between tender asparagus and fresh young peas.
It is an extremely old vegetable (dating back to the 1590's or earlier) that is now seeing a resurgence in popularity - and deservedly so.
This is a real gourmet delight, having a flavour that can be best described as a cross between the freshest of garden peas and tender, early asparagus.
These small, shrubby plants produce pretty, sweet-pea-like maroon flowers which are followed by the small seed pods that we harvest.

Asparagus Pea is a member of the Bean Family, and it is recommended that it should not be grown in the same soil as other family members for at least three years.
Ideally, brassicas (Cabbage Family) should follow it the following year to take advantage of the nitrogen that it fixes into the soil.

The plant will be ready to crop in 50 Days from planting out, growing to a height of 12 inches (30 cm).
Small winged pods should be harvested when about 3-4cm long, superb flavour akin to Asparagus.
Will crop all summer long if picked regularly.

Pick pods regularly while young and tender.
Don't allow pods to get more than 3cm (1 in) long.
Many believe it better and easier to pick in the evening.
As a member of the legume family, the roots of the plant will fix extra nitrogen into the soil, making it ideal for brassicas the following year.

These pods have the flavour and consistency of asparagus when cooked in butter with a little salt - delicious as a starter!
Asparagus Pea goes with virtually any dish, when you can cook the pods whole at 3cm (1in) long, preferably by steaming, and serve with a little melted butter. No flavouring should be used as this will destroy its own delicious taste.

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