How Much is a Bunch of Asparagus?
If you are trying to divide your servings of vegetables into appropriate portions to stick to a diet, then you may wonder what a bunch of asparagus is equal to.
Of course, fresh asparagus that’s sold by the bunch doesn’t come with a label that tells you the exact amount or the nutritional content, as frozen and canned asparagus does.
And if you want to switch to fresh vegetables for the increased health benefits, but are on a budget, you may wonder how much a bunch of asparagus costs and whether the difference in nutritional content makes it worth the extra money.
Well, you can consider this article to be the label that you’ve been needing, explaining everything you need to know about bunches of asparagus.
How much is a bunch of asparagus?
Asparagus bunches may range from three-quarters of a pound to over two pounds, depending on how much asparagus you need to buy. If you are looking for a pound, select a bunch that has twelve to fifteen ten-inch spears. The average cost of a bunch of asparagus is around three dollars, and nutritional content varies depending on the size of the bunch.
Measurements conversion for a bunch of asparagus
When trying to figure out the weight and measurements of fresh produce, asparagus may be one of your biggest challenges, as bunches are often sold in different sizes. You need to count the spears and estimate their size to get the amount of asparagus that you are looking for.
A pound of asparagus is equal to twelve to fifteen large spears. If the asparagus bunch has medium-sized spears, you need to select a bunch containing twenty to thirty spears. And if the spears are small, you’re going to need thirty to forty spears.
To get a half-pound, you need to cut those measurements in half, and if you’re looking for two pounds, you need to double those measurements. Boy is that a lot of math! But that’s how asparagus is measured.
While asparagus is usually served as a side dish, either steamed or grilled in garlic butter, you may occasionally come across a recipe that calls for asparagus. If so, a pound of asparagus is equal to three cups when chopped.
Serving sizes for asparagus bunches
If trying to figure out how to calculate the amount of asparagus you need to buy gives you a migraine headache, then you may not even want to worry about dishing out the correct serving sizes. But it’s really not that hard.
The recommended serving of asparagus is six medium-sized spears, a half cup of chopped asparagus, or three ounces of cooked asparagus.
So, if you bought a pound of medium-sized spears, then that asparagus bunch is equal to three to five servings of asparagus.
But if your spears are small or large, you may decide to not even bother trying to figure out the correct portion size and just allow your guests to serve themselves.
Cost of a bunch of asparagus
Since bunches of asparagus are sold at various sizes and prices may differ depending on where you shop, it can be difficult to determine the price range for asparagus bunches.
But the average cost of a bunch of asparagus usually ranges between $2.72 and $3.50. Now, if you’re in the market for organic asparagus, you can expect to pay around $5.00 per bunch.
If you’re tempted to stick to canned asparagus, you really wouldn’t be saving any money. The average cost of a can of asparagus falls between $1.78 and $3.58, but premium brands and wholesale packages cost much more.
And you’re not going to get nearly as many servings out of a can of asparagus as you would’ve if you bought a fresh bunch.
The nutritional content of a bunch of asparagus
It’s almost impossible to calculate the total nutritional value of a bunch of asparagus, but if you’re measuring your cooked asparagus portions by a cup, an average serving of asparagus contains a mere 20 calories, 3.7 grams of carbs, 2.2 grams of protein, 1.8 grams of fiber, and almost no fat.
If you’re determined to figure out how nutritious an asparagus bunch is, then take those values and multiply them by four, and you’ll get the average nutritional content for a pound of asparagus.
Asparagus is also rich in several essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and B6.
Why you should buy a bunch of asparagus
While fresh asparagus bunches have more volume than canned varieties, and the higher density of canned and frozen asparagus may increase the nutritional content, it’s still always best to buy fresh vegetables.
Frozen asparagus will become mushy when cooked, whereas fresh asparagus will maintain much of its crispness and flavor.
Although canned asparagus may seem to be less expensive off-hand, you don’t get nearly as much asparagus in a can as you would in a bunch.
Generally, most canned vegetables lose most of their nutrients due to pre-cooking and preservatives, and they have a higher sodium content.
Canned asparagus is one of the few exceptions, but even though it may still be nutritious in a can, it just tastes better fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions About How much is a bunch of asparagus?
What are the side effects of eating asparagus?
Although asparagus is very nutritious, some people may experience abdominal cramps and an upset stomach after eating asparagus due to the high fiber content. Also, asparagus contains certain acids that can make your urine smell odd.
Is it healthier to eat asparagus raw or cooked?
While the vast majority of people cook their asparagus to make it easier to chew and digest, you can actually eat asparagus raw. It will probably be tough and may not taste very good, but it will be even more nutritious.
What happens if you eat asparagus every day?
Although you should have a diverse and balanced diet, there are many health benefits to eating asparagus regularly, including improved digestive health and a lowered risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Sure, it can be confusing when you are trying to figure out the exact quantity of a bunch of asparagus as bunches are sold in different sizes. You need to count and measure the spears to get the amount of asparagus you need.
But if you really love asparagus, fresh asparagus provides many health benefits, which makes it well worth the hassle of counting spears.