Asparagus is a herbaceous perennial plant that is a member of the lily family. It is easily recognizable for its long, pointy shears, which are commonly grilled, steamed or roasted. They thrive in temperate climates where the ground freezes. The spring thaw and warming temperatures prompt the spears to emerge from the ground. Asparagus are harvested once they reach six to eight inches tall and the thickest spears are a half-inch thick. Harvest stops when the spears grow only to the thickness of a pencil.

The name comes from the Greek word “asparagos”, which means “to spring up”. Asparagus was first found in the Mediterranean thousands of years ago and it has been popular ever since. Its delicate flavor and versatility have made it a staple around the world.

Storage Tips: Store them in a loosely wrapped plastic bag in the crisper drawer of a refrigerator. The sooner you eat it, the better the flavor. It can also be frozen to preserve its flavor. Blanching asparagus before freezing can help keep its bright green color and crisp texture.

Nutrition: Asparagus is a good source of dietary fiber that plays an important role in digestion. It is also rich in folate, a critical nutrient needed during the early months of pregnancy. It is low in calories, high in water and rich in fiber.

Cooking: Asparagus can be cooked many ways—roasted, grilled, steamed, boiled, pan-roasted and fried. Thicker spears are better for roasting, grilling and stir-frying. Thinner asparagus is traditionally left whole so its tender, meaty texture can be appreciated, whether eaten raw or cooked. It is a great addition to pasta, salads, soups and stir-fries. 

Fun Facts: 

• Asparagus can be green, white or violet-green. Green asparagus gets its color from chlorophyll, which is activated by sunlight. White asparagus is grown with little sun exposure, which is why it is white.
• California, Michigan and Washington are the top 3 states in asparagus production.
• According to the Guinness World Records, the longest asparagus was 138.5 inches (11.5 feet!) long. This record was set on October 2nd, 2004 by Harry and Carson Willemse in Canada.

Asparagus Risotto!