Gosh, it’s Thanksgiving time, which means pot-luck dinners at work, church, and with friends. Later in this post, I’ll share an easy asparagus recipe that is easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. Â But before we dive into the recipe, let’s learn a little about this vegetable.
A Few Fun Facts About Asparagus
Asparagus is a cousin to garlic and is one of the oldest recorded vegetables. It comes in four varieties: Â green, white, purple, and wild. This vegetable takes three years from the time that a grower sows seed before its real harvest. China (587,500 tons) and Peru (186,000 tons) are currently the world’s largest producers and exporters of asparagus. Next in line are the commercial producers in the United States (102,780 tons) and Mexico (62,247 tons)
What to look for when choosing asparagus?
The thinnest stalks are the most tender. Avoid any limp or wilted asparagus. If it has a fresh scent, it is a great choice. If it has a musty smell, pass on it as it might be getting old. If the asparagus is bunched together, find one that is uniform in width so the spears will cook uniformly. Try to eat as quickly as possible, however as, asparagus does tend to go bad quickly. If you cannot eat it right away, you can preserve it by trimming the ends of the stalks and standing the bunch in a cup of water in the refrigerator.
Health Benefits of Asparagus
A cup of asparagus only contains 27 calories, 0 grams of fat, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein. It also has a good folate, vitamin C, and potassium content. Some of the health benefits include:
- Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Benefits
- Digestive Support
- Heart Health and Blood Sugar Regulation
- Anti-Cancer Benefits
NuturtionAndYou.com posted an article that provides detailed information about the nutritional value of eating, tips on selecting and storing and preparing and serving ideas.
Asparagus nutrition facts and health benefits
Asparagus is a young tender stem vegetable, erupting from its underground root-system. Its flavorful spears were well recognized since ancient Greeks and Romans as a prized delicacy. One of the oldest recorded vegetables, it thought to have originated along the coastal regions of eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor regions. Read more here…
Okay, enough background information, let’s look at a simple way that you can prepare asparagus. As I said in the beginning, this recipe is a great way that you can contribute to a Thanksgiving potluck dinner or surprise your family or friends with a new addition to your culinary talents.
Elevate Your Asparagus Game with Puff Pastry
If you want to elevate your asparagus dishes, why not wrap them in puff pastry? I recently came across this delightful Cheesy Puff Pastry Asparagus Bundles recipe that takes asparagus to the next level. Wrapped in flaky puff pastry and sprinkled with cheese, these bundles make for a visually stunning and delicious side dish or appetizer. The versatile recipe allows you to add your own twist, like a dash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Give it a try; it’s a game-changer!
Want to try a different way to enjoy your perfectly prepared asparagus? Give this vibrant Asparagus Salad with Shrimp and Avocado a try.
Conclusion
As we wrap up, it’s clear that asparagus is more than just a green vegetable; it’s a versatile ingredient that can star in various dishes. Asparagus has much to offer, from its rich history and varieties to its numerous health benefits. Whether preparing it as a simple side dish for a Thanksgiving potluck or elevating it into a cheesy puff pastry bundle, the possibilities are endless. So the next time you spot those green spears at the market, remember that you’re not just buying a vegetable but investing in a culinary adventure. Happy cooking!
Featured Image via BlackBerryBabe.com
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from Recipe to FOOD & COOKING on 09/14/2023.