Asparagus
Asparagus supplies more folic acid than any other vegetable. Folic acid may help prevent heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels and has been associated with the prevention of cervical cancer. It is best known for its role in preventing neural tube defects in fetuses since it plays an important part in tissue growth; therefore, it's especially important for women who may become pregnant to have adequate amounts of this nutrient. Asparagus is also the most abundant food source of an antioxidant called glutathione. This powerful nutrient helps to protect and repair DNA from oxidation, therefore helping to prevent cancer. It can also remove carcinogens from the body and boost the immune system. Asparagus is a significant source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium and thiamin. A serving of asparagus is about 5 spears and each spear has just 4 calories! One serving has 20 calories, 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and 60% of our Daily Value for folic acid. I'm sure you're all curious about that notorious odor that asparagus creates after we eat it. It comes from mercaptan, a byproduct that is released when our bodies break it down. Only about 40% of people experience ammonia-scented urine after eating this vegetable and it is in no way harmful. April and May are peak months for California-grown asparagus, but it is available all year round at Gelson's. It doesn't matter if you choose fat or skinny spears, but thinner stalks tend to be more tender. They should be bright green with tight buds and the cut ends should not be dry. Try to eat them the same day you buy them since they're quite perishable. When you refrigerate the bundles, stand them upright in a pitcher or dish with a little water at the bottom. To prepare asparagus, hold a spear at the base with one hand and hold a couple inches up the stalk with the other hand. Gently bend the stalk until it snaps. Only the tough end will snap off. If your spears are very thick, you can use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer of stalk. Rinse under cold running water to remove sand from the buds. To cook, you can steam until bright green for 3-5 minutes, roast in a hot oven for about 8 minutes, or add them to stir fries. This month, try my recipes for Roasted Asparagus and Barley Risotto with Asparagus.
|
| privacy policy | how to view this site | site map | careers | contact us | sign up for the newsletter | customer feedback |
member of the lily family, the aristocratic asparagus is related to onions, garlic, and leeks. Asparagus has been prized for its medicinal qualities since the time of the ancient Greeks. They believed asparagus could cure toothaches, prevent bee stings, and boost virility. Though these curative attributes were mythical, they're an indication that the nutritional powers of asparagus were evident even 2,500 years ago.