🥦 Vegetables and Vegetable Products

Calories in Asparagus, green

Green asparagus is just white asparagus that has been exposed to sunlight to trigger chlorophyll production.

Asparagus, green — 28 calories per 100g, nutrition facts
28 kcal
per 100g
Protein 1.44g
Carbs 5.1g
Fat 0.22g
Fiber 1.88g

What makes asparagus so powerful?

Asparagus contains a unique sulfur-containing compound called asparagusic acid. When digested, it breaks down into volatile sulfur byproducts like methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide. These compounds are excreted through urine, producing a distinct odor often noticeable within 15 to 30 minutes of consumption. Interestingly, not everyone can detect this smell. The ability to perceive the asparagus metabolites is a genetic trait linked to specific olfactory receptor genes. While a significant portion of the population produces the odor, only a subset possesses the genetic variation required to smell it. This genetic divide means some people experience the asparagus scent while others remain entirely oblivious to it, making it a classic example of human sensory polymorphism. Beyond this urinary quirk, asparagus is a fast-growing perennial. A single spear can grow up to several inches in a single day under ideal warm conditions, which is why farmers must harvest it daily during the peak spring season to prevent the spears from flowering and becoming woody.

🧬
Genetic scent divide
Your ability to smell the unique asparagus urine odor depends on specific genetic variations in your olfactory receptors.
🌱
Rapid daily growth
Under ideal warm conditions, an asparagus spear can grow several inches in a single day, requiring daily harvesting.
☀️
Sunlight creates green
Green asparagus is simply white asparagus that has been allowed to photosynthesize and produce chlorophyll.
💡 When & how to use it

To maximize nutrient retention and flavor, snap off the woody bottom ends and cook asparagus quickly. Roasting or grilling with a touch of olive oil preserves fat-soluble vitamins, while a quick blanch helps retain water-soluble B vitamins and crisp texture. Store spears upright in a glass with an inch of water to keep them crisp for up to four days. Pairing asparagus with eggs or Parmesan cheese provides complementary proteins and fats that help absorb its fat-soluble vitamin K.

Calories by Serving Size

100g
28 kcal
P 1.44g C 5.1g F 0.22g
1 RACC (85g)
24 kcal
P 1.2g C 4.3g F 0.2g
200g
56 kcal
P 2.9g C 10.2g F 0.4g
50g
14 kcal
P 0.7g C 2.6g F 0.1g
grams = 28 kcal

Full Nutrition Facts

Per 100g — daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 100g
Calories 28
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.22g 0%
Sodium 2.46mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 5.1g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1.88g 7%
Protein 1.44g 3%
Vitamin C 9.15mg 10%
Calcium 20.6mg 2%
Iron 0.44mg 2%
Potassium 278mg 6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

How does Asparagus fit your daily goals?

🏃
6 min
Walking to burn 28 kcal
🎯
1%
of 2,000 kcal daily goal
💪
1.44g
protein (3% of daily 50g)
71
servings until 2,000 kcal
🍎

Log Asparagus in CalRay — just snap a photo

CalRay's AI recognizes asparagus and hundreds of thousands of other foods from a photo. No manual lookup needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Asparagus, green?

Asparagus, green contains 28 calories per 100g. A standard serving of 1 RACC (85g) provides 24 calories. It is considered a very low-calorie food (under 50 kcal/100g), making it excellent for weight management.

How much protein does Asparagus, green have?

Asparagus, green provides 1.44g of protein per 100g, which is 3% of the 50g daily recommended value. It is not a primary protein source.

How many carbs are in Asparagus, green?

Asparagus, green contains 5.1g of carbohydrates per 100g . It also provides 1.88g of dietary fiber.

Is Asparagus, green good for weight loss?

Yes! Asparagus, green is very low in calories (28 kcal/100g) and can be eaten in generous portions even on a calorie-restricted diet.

How do I track Asparagus, green calories accurately?

The easiest way to track asparagus is with CalRay. Simply snap a photo of your meal and the AI will automatically identify the food and calculate calories and macros based on the estimated portion size — no manual lookup required. You can also search by name and adjust gram weight manually.

🍽️ Perfectly Pairs With Asparagus

See all →