I love asparagus for two reasons; 1) because it’s a sign that Spring is here and; 2) it’s just so darn tasty and chock-full of vitamins and nutrients.

It contains vitamins A, B6, C, E and K, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium, just to name a few, plus it is high in dietary fibre.  There are various types of asparagus but you’ll most commonly find green or white asparagus at your local grocery store.  The green variety is my personal favourite because I find it more flavourful and a lot easier to cook with.

When shopping for this tasty veggie, you should select bundles that are rich green in color, firm and have tightly closed tips.  Once you bring them home, simply trim a little off the un-tipped end and stand them up in a glass or jar containing about inch or so of cold water. Cover with a plastic bag (I like to use a clear plastic bad like a medium sized zip-lock) and keep in the refrigerator for about 2 days.  If the tips become mushy (Yuck), throw them out.

There are many great ways to cook asparagus, which you can find some really tasty recipes on-line.  Speaking of tasty asparagus recipes, check out these chicken and asparagus recipes from www.chicken.ca.

Asparagus, Pistachio and Chicken Stir-fry over Wehani Rice chicken.ca/recipes/view/asparagus-pistachio-and-chicken-stir-fry-over-wehani-rice/

Asparagus & Chicken Soup with Asiago Cheese and Lemon chicken.ca/recipes/view/asparagus--chicken-soup-with-asiago-cheese-and-lemon/

Tip:using seasonal vegetables is the best way to go; not only are they easily accessible but you really benefit from their true flavours. 

Leave us a comment and let us know how you cook up your asparagus!