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What’s in Season: Asparagus
Yet another controversial vegetable, asparagus draws a clear line between its lovers and haters. The fibrous and faintly bitter green is either a delicacy or the sworn enemy of those who have obviously never tried it wrapped in bacon.
Health Benefits
The unlikely relative of the lily, asparagus is chock-full of nutrition and low in calories and fat. Some other benefits include:
- High folic acid content
- Vitamins B6, A and C
- Vitamin K, which has been shown to protect against Alzheimer’s disease
- No fat or no cholesterol
- Low sodium content
- Only 20 calories in one ½-cup serving
- Contains 2.1 grams of fiber per serving
- Has been used to treat dropsy and irritable bowel syndrome
- Good source of antioxidants, which protect the body from various forms of cancer
See more: Fun Facts About Asparagus
Growing Asparagus
Planting asparagus is like getting into a long-term relationship. You have to lay the foundation for a healthy future and wait to enjoy the products of your hard work.
Here are some tips for cultivating your own asparagus.
- Plant asparagus in early spring, usually February or March.
- Space plants 15 to 18 inches apart with 3 to 4 feet between the rows.
- You can plant asparagus from seeds or crowns. Crowns will give you a year’s head-start for maturation.
- Peak asparagus season takes place from April to June.
- Wait to harvest asparagus until a year or two after planting.
- An asparagus plant can produce for 15 years without replanting.
- Asparagus can grow all over the country. However, it doesn’t do well in certain regions of Florida and the Gulf Coast.
See more: What’s in Season: Broccoli
Ever wonder what asparagus looks like while it’s growing? Here is a time-lapse video from CarrotPCdude showing how much asparagus grows in just one day!
Recipes:
Sesame Green Beans and Asparagus
Asparagus Gruyere Puff Pastry Bites
Asparagus, Spinach and White Cheddar Frittata
Warm Asparagus Salad with Lemon, Parmesan and Breadcrumbs
Sources: asparagus.org, CarrotPCdude, nutrition-and-you.com, utextension.tennessee.edu