Asparagus
Put a little pep in your step with asparagus, the springtime veggie packed with lots of flavor and tons of nutrients.
Amazing Asparagus
Forget Groundhogs and Shadows — Asparagus Means Spring Is Coming.
Asparagus is one of the first signs of spring. California is the nation’s largest producer of asparagus, and the season there begins in mid-February. If asparagus is in stores, warmer weather is on the way!
Asparagus is all about freshness; in fact, the young shoots are the only part of the plant we eat. It’s best early in its growing season, so grab it as soon as you see it. It tastes best when cooked soon after you buy it.
We know that people have been asparagus fans for a long time. The world’s oldest surviving cookbook, an 1800-year-old Roman recipe collection by Apicius, has a recipe with this flavor-packed veggie. Besides tasting great, asparagus is so good for you that the Greeks and Romans used it as medicine. No wonder people love it.
Full of Fiber, Plenty of Potassium
According to the FDA, every 100g of asparagus has 2.1g of dietary fiber. Most of us need to add fiber to our diets, and although whole grains are the biggest source, it helps to get some from the greens on your plate. Asparagus also has 202mg of potassium in every 100g, which reduces the risk of hypertension and stroke.
A, B6, C — An Alphabet of Vitamins
As if that weren’t enough, asparagus really shines in vitamin content. Just 100g of asparagus pack a wallop: 11% of the vitamin B1 you need in a day, 7% or more vitamin B2, 6% or more of your daily vitamin B3, 13% of vitamin B9, 5% or more vitamin B6 and 6% or more of your daily vitamin C. Whether you like it roasted, grilled, dipped in Ranch or even stir-fried, asparagus is a breeze to cook and a great source of nutrition for the whole family.
Growing Asparagus: Spears for Years
Producing home-grown asparagus is easier with a few good pointers.
- Plan for the long term. Asparagus should not be harvested for the first three years. The plants need time to develop, but after that point, you’ll be able to yield succulent crops for years.
- Plant crowns. Starting from seeds can be challenging. Purchase crowns from a nursery for best results.
- Plant when it’s warm. Wait 4 to 6 weeks after the last cold snap.
- Dig deep and fill with soil as you go. Make trenches 10 to 12 inches wide and deep. Fill with 2 to 4 inches of soil. Place the crowns in the center with the roots spread out. Cover with 2 more inches of soil and then as the spears grow, you can gradually fill in the trench to the top.
- Asparagus does best in full sun.
- Growing spears need plenty of water. Water frequently and deeply, especially for the first two years. When the first top inch of soil is dry, water again–usually every 3 to 5 days.
- Harvest at 8 to 10 inches. When they’ve reached the desired length, cut the spears at or just below the soil level.
Getting Picky Eaters To Pick Asparagus
From Plant To Plate — Kids Are Hungry for Knowledge
The More Kids Know About Asparagus, The More They Love Them
Fresh asparagus is the perfect vegetable to stoke your kids’ love of healthy food. Letting your kids help out with picking, preparation and cooking is a great way to teach them about asparagus — and to know asparagus is to love them. Kids enjoy responsibility, and with asparagus, they can handle it. Plus, everybody prefers eating something they helped to make.
Pick
Let your kids pick out the asparagus at the store. Tell them to get a bright green bunch where the heads are tightly closed, and the bottom of the stem looks fresh, not dried out.
Store
Put your kids in charge of storing the asparagus. Treat asparagus like fresh flowers: Store it in upright with a little water in the bottom of the dish. You should eat asparagus right away, preferably the day you buy it. If you’re going to wait longer, store it in the refrigerator.
Prep
Trimming off the woody end is a perfect job for the kids, because there’s no knife required. Gently bend the asparagus until it snaps — it will snap in the right spot, which is different for every stalk.
Cook
You and your kids can roast asparagus in the oven. Just add a little salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Preheat to 400 degrees and cook for about 10 minutes. Make sure they wear an oven mitt!
Amazing Asparagus Recipes
Because of its fresh flavor, asparagus can easily be incorporated into a variety of dishes. Whether it’s the star of the party, steamed with fresh ranch dip or simply accompanying a myriad of flavors in a cheesy fondue, asparagus is the one ingredient you won’t want to leave out.
-
Cowboy Potatoes & Asparagus With Rancher Dip
A delectable medley of hearty potatoes and fresh asparagus.
-
Veggie Fries
A terrific alternative to potato fries when served with The Original Ranch® ranch dipping sauce.
-
Primavera Light
A side dish recipe the whole family will enjoy.
Test Your Asparagus Knowledge
- 1. Where is asparagus originally from?
- A) China
- B) Eastern Europe
- C) Peru
- D) Asparagus Island, UK
The Answer is B
It still grows in the wild all over Western Russia.
- 2. Asparagus is in the same family of plants as:
- A) Onions
- B) Spinach
- C) Carrots
- D) Eggplant
The Answer is A
Asparagus is the mildest-flavored member of the lily family, which also contains leeks and garlic.
- 3. Which U.S. state produces the most asparagus?
- A) Michigan
- B) Washington
- C) Hawaii
- D) California
The Answer is D
No wonder: the state is shaped like asparagus!
- 4. How often can a mature asparagus plant produce new edible stalks?
- A) Every day
- B) Once a week
- C) Once a month
- D) Twice a year
The Answer is A
The season is short, but when it rains asparagus, it pours.
- 5. What should you treat asparagus like when you bring it home?
- A) A puppy
- B) A bunch of flowers
- C) A bunch of broccoli
- D) A videogame
The Answer is B
Stand it upright in a little bit of water.
- 6. What was English costume designer Cecil Beaton talking about when he said, “After 20 annual visits, I am still surprised each time I return to see this giant asparagus bed of alabaster and rose and green skyscrapers.”
- A) Washington’s asparagus fields
- B) Hollywood
- C) Manhattan
- D) His mother’s garden
The Answer is C
A skyscraper does look a little bit like asparagus — if you’re hungry.
Your Score
You answered 0 correctly!
Find out more about this month’s featured veggie: celery.
Join the Garden Party
Host Jennie Garth shows your family how to prepare and eat balanced, healthy meals.
Did You Know?
60% of kids aged 7-12 surveyed say ranch dressing is a must for veggies.1
Love Your Veggies
Learn more about our Love Your Veggies school grants program and other great ways to help kids develop a lifelong love of veggies.
