Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Asparagus can make urine smell because the body excretes a mixture of sulfur-containing compounds after the vegetable is eaten. Whether the odor is produced in detectable amounts—and whether someone can smell it—varies from person to person.
What causes the smell after eating asparagus?
Chemical analysis has identified as many as six sulfur-containing compounds in urine after asparagus consumption: methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, bis-(methylthio)methane, dimethyl sulfoxide, and dimethyl sulfone. These findings were reported in a 1987 study of urine odor after asparagus ingestion. (Fenwick et al., PubMed)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Asparagusic acid, which occurs in asparagus, has been proposed as a possible precursor to the characteristic odor. The precise biochemical steps linking it to the odorants have not been fully established, so it is more accurate to describe it as a possible starting point than as a proven, complete pathway. (Mitchell, PubMed)
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Why do some people notice the odor and others do not?
Odor production and odor perception are separate differences. Some people may excrete too little of the relevant odorants for the smell to be detectable; others may not perceive the odor even when it is present.
#1 Best Overall
- Heirloom Perennial Variety: Mary Washington asparagus seeds produce classic green spears with light purple tips, thriving in USDA zones 3–9 and delivering dependable yields for 20–30 years once established on vegetable garden.
- High Germination Performance: Asparagus seeds for planting germinate in 10–21 days when soaked 48 hours and sown gardening seeds 1/4 inch deep in loose, ally rich soil. These asparagus greens are widely used by florists as an ornamental filler.
- Strong Garden Seeds Growth Habit: Garden asparagus plants develop upright, space seeds for planting vegetables 12–18 inches apart in rows for long-term vegetable beds, asparagus fresh will produce for more than twenty years when established.
- Patience Rewarded Harvests: Asparagus plant establishment takes 2–3 years, producing 7–9 inch asparagus fresh spears harvested for up to 8 weeks each spring after maturity. Asparagus roots for planting rust resistant. Fresh or suitable for freezing.
- Rust Resistant & Non GMO: Non gmo asparagus seeds are open pollinated and resistant to rust fungus, making them reliable asparagus seeds for planting outdoors in home garden. Perfect veggie seeds.
Pelchat, Bykowski, Duke, and Reed concluded that “individual differences exist in both odorant production and odor perception” in a psychophysical and genetic study published online in 2010 and in Chemical Senses in 2011. The study associated inability to smell the odor with the genetic variant rs4481887 in a cluster of olfactory receptor genes. It did not establish the biological basis for producing no detectable odorants. (Pelchat et al., full text at PubMed Central)
How common is asparagus-related urine odor?
A 1987 study reported odorous urine in 43% of 800 volunteers after asparagus ingestion. That is a result from one historical study, not a current universal prevalence estimate; it should not be taken to mean that exactly 43% of people today produce the odor or can smell it. The distinction matters because studies can measure odorant production, perceived odor, or reported experience. (“Odorous urine following asparagus ingestion in man,” PubMed)
Rank #2
- Grow All You Want - Extra large bulk packet of Mary Washington Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) seeds. An extremely popular asparagus variety producing thick, straight green stalks with a hint of purple at the spear. Minimum of 1oz per packet (about 1600 seeds).
- Productive - Asparagus germinates in 10-56 days when soil temps are 75-85°F. Plant 1/2” deep and space 4-6” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 3-4’ tall with a spread of 30”. Asparagus is slow to mature and you will get a good harvest in 2-3 years. Plant in USDA zones 4-9.
- Perennial Crop - Asparagus is a perennial crop that will feed your family for years to come. Make tasty roasted asparagus, or try grilling your harvest with some parmesan cheese. This vegetable is even super tasty when eaten fresh and is packed with nutrients!
- Easy To Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
When might urine odor have another cause?
Asparagus is one food known to change urine odor, but it is not the only possible cause. MedlinePlus notes that some health conditions can also affect urine odor. Odor alone cannot identify the cause or diagnose a condition, so persistent or unexplained changes should not automatically be attributed to asparagus. (MedlinePlus, “Urine odor”)
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Beautiful - Large premium seed packet of Mary Washington Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) seeds. An extremely popular asparagus variety producing thick, straight green stalks with a hint of purple at the spear. Minimum of 1.5 G per packet (about 90 seeds).
- Productive - Asparagus germinates in 10-56 days when soil temps are 75-85°F. Plant 1/2” deep and space 4-6” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 3-4’ tall with a spread of 30”. Asparagus is slow to mature and you will get a good harvest in 2-3 years. Plant in USDA zones 4-9.
- Perennial Crop - Asparagus is a perennial crop that will feed your family for years to come. Make tasty roasted asparagus, or try grilling your harvest with some parmesan cheese. This vegetable is even super tasty when eaten fresh and is packed with nutrients!
- Easy To Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
Rank #4
- 🌿Bountiful Heirloom Variety: Enjoy a generous 1oz packet (approx. 900 seeds) of classic Mary Washington Asparagus—a hardy, time-tested heirloom known for its reliable growth and rich, slightly nutty flavor. Perfect for roasting, grilling, or eating fresh.
- 🌿Fast-Growing & High-Yielding: Sprouts in just 10–56 days in warm soil (75–85°F). Once established, this prolific perennial produces thick, tender green spears with purplish tips and yields harvests for 15–20 years.
- 🌿Ideal for Most Growing Zones: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil in USDA zones 4–9. Grows 3–4 ft tall with a 30-inch spread. A low-maintenance, drought-tolerant crop that keeps producing season after season.
- 🌿Nutrient-Rich & Delicious: Packed with vitamins and flavor. Enjoy sweet, crisp spears straight from the garden—perfect for gourmet meals, healthy snacks, or sharing with friends and family.
- 🌿Beginner-Friendly with Guaranteed Growth: Clear planting instructions included on every packet. Help you plant easily.
Rank #3
- Asparagus takes up to 2 years to grow from seed, but they are so delicious they are well worth the wait.
- Our seed varieties are all lab tested to ensure high germination rates. All seeds packed are for this season and the next however, stored in a cool dry place, they can remain viable for years.
- If you have an issue growing, let us know and we will get you going!
- Mary Washington Asparagus is a perennial variety that requires full sun.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
