Experts say that asparagus has no more than four calories per spear and can help in losing weight. Asparagus is not only low in calories, but is very tasty as well. Many people enjoy asparagus spears.Health benefits: Asparagus is an ideal vegetable for young women because the folic acid it contains is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Beta-carotene and vitamin C, two major antioxidants, are also abundant in asparagus. Antioxidants neutralize effect damaging toxins such as smog and cigarette smoke have on our bodies and are important in fighting heart disease, cancer and cataracts.
Selection and storage: Look for a bright green color and stalks that are smooth, firm, straight and round. Also pay attention for tips that are compact, closed, pointed and purplish in color. Thick stalks are fine, but choose stalks that are the same size. This way you can you cook them together. If you do not store asparagus in a cool place, the stalks will spoil and lose flavor and vitamin C. If you wrap asparagus in a plastic bag, the stalks will stay fresh for almost a week. If you enjoy eating asparagus throughout the year, peal the spears the day you buy them, tightly wrap them in foil and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Preparation and serving tips: Wash asparagus thoroughly and break off the whitish ends of the stem with your hand. Instead of throwing them out, you can add them into a soup. You can boil, stream or microwave asparagus, but be careful not to overcook it.
When cooked correctly, the spears are bright green and crisp. Overcooked spears become soggy and turn a dull olive green color. Asparagus should be cooked over low heat for just three to five minutes. For a different style of cooking, place stalks upright in boiling water with the tips sticking out of the water for five to 10 minutes. In the microwave, cook asparagus for two to three minutes in a dish containing a quarter cup of water. You can serve asparagus hot, warm or cold.
