It’s spring, and there is an incredible veggie that is in season now that will surely put “spring” in your step.
Asparagus. It looks sexy and has been cited as an aphrodisiac all the way back to the 15 century. It is a fantastic addition to any diet and is one of my favorite growing-younger foods.
This long green spear is a nutrient-dense food that supports healthy hormone production. It is full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients, contains Vitamin B6, Vitamin A and C, Thiamin and Potassium. It is also a great source of Folic Acid, with a 5.3 ounce serving providing some 60% of the recommended daily allowance for Folacin.
This super-veggie is rich is fiber and protein which helps stabilize digestion and keep things moving. It also contains a significant amount of the nutrient, Inulin, which is also great at providing digestive support. It is also a natural diuretic so can be helpful for women who experience ongoing UTIs.
Asparagus has no fat, no cholesterol, and is low in sodium. It is less than 4 calories per spear. Have I sold you yet?
If you’ve ever seen Asparagus planted, just seeing the spears pointing upward from the ground can make you do a double take. The spears are actually shooting up from a crown that can generate new spears for as long as 20 years. A long lifespan for the crown, but the actual harvest time for the spears is short, only about 6-7 weeks during spring and early summer. So now is the time to be on the lookout for fresh Asparagus!
When buying fresh Asparagus, plan to eat it within 2-3 days; it is highly perishable. Trim the stems, wash, and store either with a moist paper towel wrapped around the stems, or stand the spears upright in a container that has about 2 “ of water in it, putting the trimmed stems in the water. Be sure to refrigerate.
Delicious cold or hot! There are all kinds of great ways to cook it, my favorite it simply sautéing it in olive oil with a bit of garlic. Throw it in a salad, grill it up…or check out the many recipes you will find online. Use a quick-cooking or waterless method to retain as many nutrients as possible. See you at the Farmer’s Market for a little yum!
