Asparagus

Nutrition Benefits

Folate: may lower your risk of heart disease.

Low in calories: helps prevent weight gain.

Low in sodium: may help reduce high blood pressure.

Choose odorless asparagus stalks with dry, tight tops. Avoid limp or wilted stalks.

Refrigerate asparagus for up to 4 days by wrapping ends of stalks in a wet paper towel and placing in a plastic bag.

Rinse asparagus under cool running water before cooking.

Take one asparagus spear and hold it at each end. Bend the asparagus until it snaps—this is the natural break that occurs between the woody end and the tender end.
Using your snapped asparagus as a guide, line up the remaining spears of asparagus and using a sharp knife and cutting board, cut the asparagus at the same length of your snapped asparagus.
Add cooked asparagus to cooked pasta with other vegetables such as bell peppers and broccoli.
Roasted: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss asparagus in a bowl with 1 tablespoon oil. Spread asparagus on a baking sheet and sprinkle with a small amount of salt and pepper. Roast 12 minutes or until tender, stirring halfway through.
Grilled: Toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon oil. Lay across the grill and grill on medium-heat until tender. The amount of time will range from 5-9 minutes depending on the thickness of the asparagus. Season with a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle with lemon pepper.
Steamed: Put asparagus and ½ cup water in a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Microwave on high for 5 minutes and check. Microwave for one minute at a time until the asparagus reaches the texture you like. Sprinkle with your favorite seasoning.