Monday, May 7, 2012

Seasonal Star: Asparagus

Happy spring! It’s time for planting flowers, enjoying the sunshine on our faces, and discovering all the fresh and yummy produce that’s becoming available as local farmer’s markets open up for the season.

We're celebrating the renewal of the season and our senses with asparagus. This super-healthy and versatile veggie is rich in vitamins A (good for the eyes) and K (important for bone health) as well as folate (to prevent heart disease and birth defects).

Look for signs of freshness when you buy asparagus: bright green stalks and tight tops. Thickness of the stalk is just a matter of preference; you can easily peel and trim any tough, woody stems. Asparagus is best when eaten within 1 or 2 days of purchase.

No matter how you prepare it—sautéed, roasted, steamed, grilled—asparagus is a delicious and easy way to celebrate springtime. Try this quick recipe for garlicky asparagus, and then check out this mouth-watering slideshow for even more recipes and pictures that look good enough to eat!
 
Did you know? 
  • Asparagus is part of the lily family (so are onions and garlic!)
  • The name asparagus is from the Greek word aspharagos meaning “sprout”
  • Asparagus can grow up to 10 inches in a 24-hour period!

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