Read on for some facts about Asparagus

May 24th is National Asparagus Day. Asparagus is a popular vegetable that can be prepared many ways – baked, grilled, fried, pan-seared, steamed – it’s all delicious in our opinion. It is interesting to note though that asparagus is a bit of a polarizing veggie. Depending on the poll you read, it pops up on both the favorite and most hated veggie lists.

For those of you who love it, here’s a refresher of its many nutritional benefits include: Vitamins C, A, B6, folate, folic acid, potassium, fiber, and thiamine, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

National Events Day shares additional fun facts about asparagus (copied below with Seasonal Roots’ commentary in parenthesis):

1. It was used as an offering
   The ancient Greeks and Romans used it as an offering to the gods. (Of course.)
2. It requires patience
   It takes three years from seed to sow. (All good things come to those who wait.)
3. It’s a hangover cure
   The minerals and amino acids it contains protect the liver from toxins, and the enzymes help break down the alcohol and alleviate hangovers. (Never heard that one!)
4. Asparagus has its own museum
   You’ll find everything and anything you ever wanted to know about asparagus at the European Asparagus Museum in Bavaria, Germany. (Surely a top 10 travel destination worldwide.)

We’ve included a couple recipes for you to enjoy below.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Asparagus 
• 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4 slices of Bacon
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions: 

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
• Trim the asparagus by slicing off the ends where the stalk goes from white to green.
• Coat the asparagus evenly with olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Wrap 5-7 stalks in bacon to secure together.
• Bake on a broiler pan for about 12 min or until bacon is crispy.
• Enjoy!

Oven Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Asparagus 
• 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Juice and zest of ½ lemon
• 1/4 c. of finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions: 

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
• Trim the asparagus by slicing off the ends where the stalk goes from white to green.
• Coat the asparagus with olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle on the lemon zest and red pepper flakes.
• Bake for about 12 min or until bacon is crispy.
• Garnish with fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan.
• Enjoy!