Looks can be deceivng.

This afternoon, while plowing through a pint of pickled asparagus, I did a double take.  There were funky looking white spots on my asparagus, which had been opened and in the fridge for about a week.

Hmmm.  Even though it was likely that I had eaten 6 or 7 pieces with the white spots on it by this point, I paused a bit.  It just didn't look right.

Internet to the rescue!  Obviously, I am not the only one with this question, as 'white spots on pickled asparagus' was a search string that completed itself. 

It turns out I was worried for nothing.  Not only is it not a bad thing...it's a good thing!  This answer comes from several sources on the internet machine.

The flecks are actually a protein buildup called rutin, a natural flavonoid in asparagus that sometimes reacts harmlessly with the vinegar. Rutin is created within pickled asparagus when asparagus is heated within an acid such as vinegar in the pickling process. Through this process, rutin is drawn out of the asparagus.

It then becomes insoluble in the vinegar and crystallizes on the asparagus. While most individuals think the worst, it is quite the opposite, as the flecks of rutin can have many great benefits. Rutin is a strong antioxidant, which can be effective against inflammation, cell damage and blood circulation problems. Rutin works well with vitamin C to fend off easy bruising, thin skin and unsightly veins.

Well, that's good, I would gladly trade funky smelling pee for easy bruising and unsightly veins.