Julius Caesar adored it, the Catholic Church feared it, and Benjamin Franklin grumbled about it. Asparagus is a vegetable that has stirred strong emotions throughout history, yet it always finds its way back to the table.Known as the “aristocrat of the allium world,” asparagus captivated the ancient world, vanished for a time, and then made a grand reappearance during the Renaissance, symbolizing luxury and sophistication. As European explorers expanded their reach, so too did asparagus, and today it remains one of America’s most beloved vegetables—partly due to the War on Drugs.Join John and Patrick as they unravel the vegetable’s unexpected ties to emperors, poets, Impressionist painters, and even the Nazis. With a blend of science, the evolution of language, and art history, this episode delves into the fascinating story of asparagus - one of the most intriguing vegetables in history.-----------In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of Business-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review -----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com