Sprigs of asparagus on the white table

Seasonality:

  • Asparagus is available year-round, with peak season being February – June

Health Benefits of Asparagus:

  • Very good source of fiber, folate, Vitamins A, C, E and K
  • Packed with antioxidants, helping to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals.

How to Select Asparagus:

  • Choose firm asparagus stalks with dry, tight tips. Avoid limp or wilted stalks.

How to Store Asparagus:

  • Store asparagus for up to four days in the refrigerator by wrapping the ends of stalks in a wet paper towel and placing in plastic bag.
  • Alternately, store asparagus upright in a glass with 1 inch of water.

How to Prepare Asparagus:

  • Rinse asparagus under cold water. Snap off the pale woody ends of the asparagus and discard.
  • If asparagus is stringy, carefully peel away the rough skin from the bottom half of the spears with a vegetable peeler.
  • Asparagus can be blanched in boiling water, roasted, grilled or steamed.

Fun Facts about Asparagus:

  • The earliest depiction of asparagus was in Egypt in 3,000 BC.
  • Roman emperors had “asparagus fleets” to gather only the best quality asparagus.