Kswck > wrote:

> I know of 3 different kinds of asparagus: white, green and purple. Are there
> others?

The colour largely depends on the growing methods, though certain
cultivars are used in each case, which is why white asparagus is almost
invariably much thicker than green, for example. Also, there is wild
asparagus.

> What's the differences in taste? Is one tastier than another?

White and purple asparagus have a taste of their own, which cannot be
easily described. Green asparagus has a totally different taste and
could as well be a different vegetable altogether. Its taste is
sometimes described as somewhat resembling green peas (and I agree with
this description). Which one is tastier is obviously a matter of
individual preference. I much prefer white and purple asparagus.

> Are the purple ones not grown except at certain times of the year? They are
> very difficult to find and disappear very quickly.

If not grown in greenhouses, it is a seasonal vegetable, but can of
course be imported from another hemisphere, for example. I can find
asparagus most any day around the year here. I buy only locally grown
asparagus in the season, though.

> Finally, I wonder if purple asparagus are similar to chocolate peppers,
> different color, same taste as green.

Purple asparagus has a similar, but slightly more intensive taste than
white asparagus. It does not resemble green asparagus at all.

Victor