Time to try… Asparagus!

This month’s featured vegetable is ASPARAGUS!

I know what you’re thinking: “a healthy green vegetable? SPEAR me the details!” But keep reading - this tall and skinny vegetable is anything but scrawny when it comes to nutrients. 

Asparagus is an excellent source of folate and vitamin K, two nutrients that support healthy blood and heal wounds. It is a good source of Vitamin A, which promotes healthy eyesight, and Thiamin, which helps our body use the energy from the foods we eat. Asparagus also contains Vitamin E and Vitamin C, both helping to protect your body’s cells and keep your immune system, skin, and hair healthy. 

One half-cup serving of this awesome vegetable is about six asparagus spears. When shopping for asparagus, look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Avoid mushy or packaged asparagus that has moisture developing. To store asparagus, stand stems up in a container with about one inch of water and cover loosely with a plastic bag. This helps keep the stalks fresh and crunchy! Not sure about purchasing fresh asparagus? Try frozen varieties--they’re just as tasty and easy to prepare or add to your favorite dish.

Asparagus is a delicious and versatile vegetable. You can boil it, grill it, roast it, steam it, or microwave it. Some popular asparagus dishes include salads, stir-fry, omelets, and pasta dishes! This vegetable is also delicious on its own or dipped in low-fat dressing. Better yet, try asparagus in our featured recipe, Spring Fling Chowder. You shouldn’t dare to miss asparagus! 

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