``What is that!”

I`m sure at some point or another everyone has bought a product, or had one given to them to try at a family reunion, and you might have saw something funny looking on the product and thought `What is that! There is no way I am eating that!"

While handling some emails here at Sunshine Farms I did come across someone who had, had that exact reaction to some grey flecks in our pickled asparagus. Although they do seem to cause great concern, and in some cases disgust to some of our un-expectant customers who happen to come across these flecks, they actually cause no harm and can hold some benefits.

Those grey flecks are a protein build up called Rutin. More specifically Rutin is a citrus flavonoid glycoside. It is made up of two chemicals; quercetin and rutinose. Rutin is created within Pickled Asparagus when Asparagus is heated with an acid, such as Vinegar; like in the pickling process, and through this process Rutin, which is a bioflavinoid, is drawn out of the Asparagus plant. It then becomes insoluble in the vinegar and crystallizes on the Asparagus.

The Rutin that is produced is actually the opposite of what most people think when they see those flecks in their food; it can have some really great benefits. Rutin is a strong antioxidant which can be effective against inflammation, cell damage and blood circulation problems. As well Rutin works well together with Vitamin C to fend against easy bruising, thin skin and unsightly veins.

So next time you see a grey fleck in your Pickled Asparagus, not to worry, it won`t be a hinder, it might actually be a help.

~Pickle Blogger

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