Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC
It is asparagus season!  These fat or thin, green, white or purple, tender stalks are a great way of welcoming the spring season.  Asparagus gives us plenty of reasons to fill your plate with this elegant superfood. The bright-green veggie is packed with vitamins and minerals like A, C, E, K, B6, folate, iron, copper, calcium, protein, and fiber. Thanks to all these nutrients, asparagus offers some serious health perks!
Asparagus has serious health perks!
Not only is asparagus low in fat and calories (one cup sets you back a mere 32 calories), but it also contains lots of soluble and insoluble fiber, making it a good choice if you’re trying to lose weight. Because your body digests fiber slowly, it keeps you feeling full in between meals.  Asparagus also contains high levels of the amino acid asparagine, making it a natural diuretic. In other words, eating more of the spears can help flush excess fluid and salt from your body.
Asparagus is NOT a hardy vegetable!
When purchasing asparagus look for firm stalks with good color and closed tips. Asparagus is NOT considered a hardy vegetable. That means it will not keep long after picking. It needs to be used within 1-3 days after being picked.  Asparagus season is brief, so eat up it as much as you can during its peak time.
Asparagus can be eaten a variety of ways!
Get started eating up this springtime veggie with some of Marpe’s asparagus recipes.  Below is a list of our favorites to try.
Chicken,  Spinach and Asparagus Sauté
Taste, nutrition, and versatility make asparagus the perfect addition to any meal. So if you are stuck in a rut of the same old sides every single week, be sure to add this superfood to your rotation in a variety of different ways. You will likely find a family favorite with all the options out there!
