Asparagus, White and Purple

In the United States, white is the “other asparagus.” In Belgium, France, Holland, Germany, and Spain, the “other asparagus” would be green. Most people reading this will know something about green asparagus, but little about white and purple. So please consider this a supplement to your knowledge of green asparagus, not a comprehensive entry about all asparagus. (While green asparagus needs no introduction, those who have not roasted and microwaved it might look at for these non-traditional cooking methods.)