This Spring Veggie Is a Seasonal Delight!
This quintessential spring veggie is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and zinc. One cup (6 to 8 spears) provides 67% of the folate you need in a day; this nutrient is important for heart health and preventing birth defects.
Calorie count: One medium-sized asparagus spear (5 to 7 inches long) is a mere 4 calories, making a one-cup serving equal to just 33 calories.
Buying and storage tips: Look for local asparagus at farmers' markets, grocery stores, even roadside stands—it will be younger, fresher, sweeter, and more tender than the imported stuff. When you buy, look for straight spears with crisp, tightly-closed tips. Thickness, surprisingly, is not an indication of tenderness. Thin spears may be tough, and some varieties of thick asparagus are surprisingly sweet and tender.
At home, keep refrigerated—either upright in a container with an inch of water or wrapped in a damp cloth or paper towel. Asparagus will keep for 2 to 3 days in the fridge but for best flavor, use it as soon as possible.
In His Grace,
Mark
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