What’s Fresh? Asparagus!

By Seth McBride, Marketing Intern

Did you know that various species of asparagus were cultivated by Egyptian cultures as early as 3000 B.C. for food and natural remedies? Asparagus comes from the Greek word meaning “shoot” or “sprout.”

Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables, the main reason ancient cultures viewed it as a natural remedy. The people of Egypt, Greece, and Rome used asparagus as a treatment for everything from bee stings to infertility. Now, we understand that asparagus is high in folates, which help prevent atherosclerosis and heart disease, contains cancer-fighting antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, and, most importantly, is rich in glutathione.

Glutathione is an antioxidant that fulfills numerous cellular functions, including: detoxifying the body of carcinogens, improving immune function, and protecting cell membranes and DNA from toxic compounds. Glutathione can be preserved by lightly steaming your asparagus.

These tasty spears are in season right now, which means they cost less than other times of the year. While asparagus has the potential to grow seven inches in once day, the fresh and local varieties are limited by season. “Shoot” for a healthy dose of asparagus to discover what spring is all “a-sprout” with this week’s recipes: