Today's vegetable just happens to start with the letter "A"

No I am not going alphabetically but after debating on where to start and what vegetable is to go first in my quest to learn more about food, I just happen to come across one that starts with the letter "A." How exciting!

First and foremost, I really wanted to and will try to stick with in season vegetables for the state of Maryland. Unfortunately, I am still a bit early for any of the local produce to really be in season and I have been finding varying reports through out the internet. So if there is a vegetable I am working with and you know for a fact its off season, please spare me from your comments. Its hard to write about all these vegetables during the off season. Spring and Summer are just around the corner and there will be plentiful to write about.

This week's vegetable is Asparagus Green. Yum!

For American's, many will learn to find that the asparagus green found at the grocery store is actually grown right in California. The farmers who cultivate asparagus start as early as April, but the peek season is March (yes we are right in it!!) and April. Around June, asparagus will start to taper off but still a select few farmers will grow asparagus well into October. In the United States, asparagus is grown in California, Washington State, Michigan, Illinois, and New Jersey (see there is a reason why they call it the Garden State.... yes I am from Jersey so hush!).

Why in the world should we eat Asparagus? I will be honest with you, my only real knowledge of this vegetable is from Austin Powers 3: Goldmember, when Austin powers has accidentally tripped and pulled the outlet for a fountain and he has to keep it going by peeing. Austin Powers eats a piece of asparagus in order to keep going... I know a great reference to this vegetable.

Asparagus is a low-calorie, low sodium vegetable (two thumbs up there) with a lot of vitamin A, C, and B6. In each serving (5 spears or 93g), there are 20 cals. I think I can handle that. It is also considered an excellent source of folic acid and is an important source of potassium. According to the National Cancer Institute, Asparagus is the highest tested food containing Glutahione, an insane / potent cancer fighter! I would give Asparagus a hero badge for that if I could... moving on... Additionally, asparagus is high in Rutin which is valuable in helping strengthen the blood vessels. Holy moly, I am pretty thrilled to have chosen this vegetable a starting off point for my journey!

Well asparagus definitely is a great healthy vegetables and honestly quite tasty For tonight's meal, I just steamed a few spears (1.5 serving sizes) and am having it with chicken and mashed potatoes. I seasoned it with a little bit of salt and pepper and so far, not bad not bad. I need to see if I can find other fun recipes that include asparagus as I want to see what I can do with it.

Asparagus...

Not bad indeed...

What are your thoughts and do you completely love it or do you hate asparagus? Leave a comment on your thoughts and ill see you tomorrow.

- Strands

**source: www.farmology.com, National Cancer Institute, California Asparagus Commission. **


**all images have been taken by Strands and are not to be copied, reproduced, or downloaded without written consent**