Late spring and early summer mark the advent of asparagus season, and few vegetables carry the nutritional and healing properties of this slender, power-packed stalk. Asparagus is very rich in the B vitamin folate, as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin K and potassium, and is a diuretic plant. It contains an abundant supply of inulin, a carbohydrate that feeds healthy –and much needed- bacteria in our digestive tracts. Asparagus has been considered since ancient times to be a detoxifier for the entire “water” system of the body (kidneys, bladder and urinary tract).
Asparagus is also delicious, especially when it is barely cooked and still retains a fresh, juicy snap. Overcooking is perhaps the greatest sin we can commit with this delicate vegetable, which turns it into an unpleasant, army green mush. Rule of thumb: cook asparagus only until it turns bright green and enjoy it immediately.
1. Pasta with Asparagus, Tomato and Herbs
Jen Hoy
3. Steam Sautéed Asparagus with Ginger
This recipe for steam sautéed ginger asparagus is fast, delicious and can be adapted to other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, green beans, young greens, or snow peas. If you like your food garlicky, chop the garlic rather than smashing the clove.4. Roasted Asparagus Recipe
This recipe for roasted asparagus is easy, quick, and delicious. The tender stalks are wonderful on their own, or in salads. Asparagus is slightly bitter and pungent, and is a diuretic vegetable. It is excellent for the kidneys and for cleansing the arteries and blood vessels. Be advised, however, that excessive consumption of asparagus can actually irritate the kidneys, so don’t go overboard.5. Creamy Vegan Asparagus Soup
Asparagus is a diuretic vegetable, eliminating water from the body through the kidneys. It also helps cleanse cholesterol from the arteries. It is a good source of folate, potassium, and fiber. This creamy soup is a wonderful spring first course or centerpiece for a light meal.
6. Sautéed Shrimp with Asparagus, Tomato and Herbs
Jen Hoy
This recipe for sautéed shrimp with asparagus, tomato and herbs is a wonderful and easy spring or summer meal. The dish can be served with pasta or rice and a salad, and makes a beautiful and bright presentation.
7. Arugula, Avocado and Asparagus Salad
This recipe for arugula, avocado and asparagus salad is not only rich in phytonutrients; it is comprised of 3 foods considered to be aphrodisiac by the ancients. Add a basil vinaigrette and you have 2 more, as basil and mustard are said to both increase sex drive and boost fertility.
8. Roasted Asparagus on Greens with Chevre and Toasted Walnuts
Jen Hoy
Roasted asparagus on greens with chevre and toasted walnuts is a lovely summer salad that can double as an appetizer or entrée. Try mixing a bit of arugula or watercress into the greens for a peppery, piquant touch. Lemon Herb Vinaigrette is a perfect dressing for this salad.
9. Asparagus and Sugar Snap Salad Recipe
Jody Hoy
This recipe for bright green, asparagus and sugar snap salad is packed with vitamins and is very refreshing on a warm day. It is light, crisp, and can be plated on a bed of greens and served with a nice grain salad or pilaf for a lovely warm weather lunch or light supper. Toss in the lemon or vinegar at the last minute before serving so the salad doesn’t discolor.
10. Macrobiotic Zucchini and Asparagus Soup Recipe with Corn, Cilantro and Basil
This light, creamy macrobiotic recipe for zucchini and asparagus soup makes a wonderful summer first course or centerpiece for a light meal. Asparagus is a diuretic vegetable, eliminating water from the body through the kidneys. It also helps cleanse cholesterol from the arteries. Zucchini adds creaminess, and the corn and herbs bring crunch and aromatic flavor.
