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ASPARAGUS. Presented by: Helen Paik. Various Forms to Buy. Bright green or white stalks, usually 10 to 12 inches in length In Season: Spring, Summer Part of Lily family Asparagus spears grow from a crown that is planted about a foot deep in sandy soils.
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ASPARAGUS Presented by: Helen Paik
Bright green or white stalks, usually 10 to 12 inches in length • In Season: Spring, Summer • Part of Lily family • Asparagus spears grow from a crown that is planted about a foot deep in sandy soils. • Each crown will send spears up for about 6-7 weeks during the spring and early summer. • Grown in the U.S. since the l870's.
All Star Veggie because.. • According to the National Cancer Institute: highest tested food containing Glutathione, one of the body's most potent cancer fighters. • High in Rutin, which is valuable in strengthening the blood vessels. • Good source of Vitamin B6 • High in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Folacin • Grams of fiber per serving: 2g • Calories per serving: 22 • Phytochemicals: Beta-carotene, Lutein & Zeaxanthin
Interesting Facts! • A well cared for asparagus planting will generally produce for about 15 years without being replanted. • Asparagus was first cultivated about 2500 years ago in Greece. • URINE ODOR??
Ways to Prepare • Boil • Steam • Microwave • Stir-Fry • Add to noodle dishes or casseroles • Grill those bad boys (inside or outside!)
RECIPES Steamed Salmon and Asparagus with Walnut VinaigretteAsparagus Tapas with Red Pepper SauceAsparagus and Citrus SaladRolled Steak Stuffed with California AsparagusAsparagus GuacamoleAsparagus/Chicken OrientalCalifornia Spring Jumbo Asparagus, Papaya, Shrimp 'n' Pasta SaladCalifornia fresh Asparagus Casserole BakeBaked Asparagus with Parmesan CheeseCalifornia Springtime Asparagus SaladSteamed California fresh Asparagus, with Red Pepper SauceSpringtime Stir-Fry with Scallops & California Jumbo Asparagus Grilled Prime Rib with California Jumbo AsparagusSesame Asparagus SaladAsparagus PolonaiseAsparagus PastaBella AsparagusRoasted AsparagusParmesan Asparagus Spears
Asparagus, Papaya, Shrimp 'n' Pasta Salad: Ingredients • 1 lb. Calif. Jumbo Asparagus1 Med. Papaya halved, seeded and peeled.1/3 Cup light sour cream 1/4 Cup Papaya or Mango nectar1 1/2 tbsp. Bottled mango chutneyPeel of 1/2 lemon6 oz. Dry Fusilli, Rotelle or other curly pasta, cooked, rinsed and drained (about 3 cups cooked).1/3 lb. small shelled and cooked shrimp1/4 Cup green onions8 Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves
Asparagus, Papaya, Shrimp 'n' Pasta Salad: Recipe • Trim or break off Jumbo Asparagus spears at the tender point and rinse.In a large skillet, cook Asparagus until crisp-tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain and rinse under cold water. • Chill and set aside 12 spears; cut remaining Asparagus into 1 inch pieces. • Remove seeds and cut half of papaya into eight 12 thin, lengthwise slices - chill. Cut remaining half into bite-size pieces. • In large bowl, combine sour cream, nectar, chutney and lemon peel. Add cooled pasta, mix well. Stir in Asparagus and papaya pieces, shrimp and green onions. Chill briefly. • To serve, spoon pasta mixture on lettuce leaves and arrange papaya and Asparagus spears. Garnish with lemon twists or wedges and fresh mint, if desired. • Makes 4 servings ENJOY! • Nutrients per serving: Calories 295; Protein 17.3 grams; Fat 3.7 grams; Calories from Fat 11%; Carbohydrate49.9 grams; Cholesterol 80 mg; Fiber 5.6 grams; Sodium 193 mg.
So do we all love Asparagus yet? • Is high in Folic Acid and is a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin. • Has No Fat, contains No Cholesterol and is low in Sodium. • Nutrient Dense • Easy to prepare and DELICIOUS!
REFERENCES • Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board: http://www.asparagus.org/ • California Asparagus Commission: http://www.calasparagus.com/index.htm • National Cancer Institute: http://app1-ws1b-2.nci.nih.gov/color/asparagus/produceitem_popup