Kids & Company Blog

Amazing Asparagus has Arrived!

Asparagus is a popular spring vegetable that is packed with nutrients. Asparagus has many fun facts and once claimed to be the food of the Gods from Queen Nefertiti of Egypt!  Asparagus originally comes from the Greek language meaning “sprout” or “shoot”.  Asparagus is a member of the lily family and also related to onions, leeks and garlic!  Believe it or not but there is a museum dedicated just to asparagus!  It is called the European Asparagus Museum and located in Bavaria, Germany!

Asparagus is loaded with fibre, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K! As well as a trace mineral called chromium which helps our bloodstream to move sugar into our cells - great news to share with those watching their blood sugar!  Folate is important for the moms out there, especially the ones who are expecting!  Folate is also helpful in boosting our brains by helping our response time and mental flexibility – yes, even our brains need to get stretched and exercised!

Another great thing about asparagus is, it’s a source of calcium and vitamin K! Calcium and vitamin K help strengthen and maintain healthy bones.  This is helpful to those who are lactose intolerant, lactose sensitive or cannot consume dairy!  Asparagus is a great way to build up your bones while also receiving additional vitamins and antioxidant benefits!

Asparagus is best to eat right away either bought from the farmers market or grocery store, it holds its best flavours those first few days!  Some people avoid asparagus because of the potential odor but only few people have the ability to be able to smell this odor! Only 25% of people can smell this special fragrance, so if you are one them, congrats! You have a new found special power. 

The most common asparagus is green, but they also come in white and purple!  The white asparagus is difficult to harvest and delicate.  The purple asparagus is smaller and fruitier.  Whichever type of asparagus you choose you are guaranteed a nutritious, tasty and versatile vegetable that the whole family will enjoy!  Asparagus can be roasted, grilled, baked or even eaten raw!  The best way to maintain the nutritional power of asparagus is to avoid water-based cooking methods. Roasting, stir-frying or grilling your asparagus will keep those nutrients in while still delivering an amazing flavour.

Asparagus takes about 3 years to go from seed to being ready to harvest! So, on that note, don’t let the little sprouts go any longer, they have been waiting for this day… Go enjoy every bite because they have been growing to perfection just for you!

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Cheers,

Chef Lisa Ruscica

Chief Food Ambassador

Posted on: Wednesday June 6th, 2018

Posted by: Lisa Ruscica