Asparagus: Eat Your Greens, Kids
Did you know you could use asparagus as a hangover cure?
Research indicated that it helps to break down alcohol.
Jolly good.
I found out some really interesting facts about these slender stems when I wrote the little Superfoods book for Ventura Press.
Did you know that:
* 93% of asparagus grown in Australia comes from the Koo Wee Rup area of Victoria.
* Australian-grown asparagus is available from September – March, it’s always better to buy locally grown.
* Very high in vitamin K
* Very high in folate
* High in vitamins C, E and B vitamins
* High in the amino acid asparagine, named after the asparagus
* High in fibre *
*High in a wide variety of antioxidants
* Good source of zinc, iron, manganese and magnesium
* Very low in calories, a medium stem has only 3 calories/15 kilojoules
Now I’m very fond of asparagus but it can be a struggle to get the younger children to eat it.
Here’s how I try:
Raw – I’ve been really enjoying raw spears of asparagus. I just chop off the woody end and munch and crunch. Great as a crudite for dipping into humous etc. Love a simple, no chop raw vegetable.
Steamed – I have a steam oven and usually steam asparagus, only for about three minutes
On the BBQ – I lightly BBQed some, and also wrapped some in foil with some lemon, olive oil and salt and pepper and sort of steamed it on the BBQ. Both ways tasted fantastic.
My photos do not do the asparagus justice at all!
How To Store Asparagus Store in the fridge, try upright in a jug of water like flowers or wrapped in a damp cloth and put into a plastic bag
The Australian Asparagus Council has some terrific recipes on their website. Check it out… but I think I’ll enjoy most of my asparagus raw this summer.
Lazy cook!
Love a delicious vegetable that I can eat by the bucketload and do myself only good.
Come on kids, eat your greens!
What’s your favourite way to eat asparagus?
Cheers