Asparagus

Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Asparagus2 • Cool and Crisp. If you are using asparagus in salads or for other cold dishes, boil or steam it until it's done, then plunge the cooked asparagus into cold or iced water immediately to stop the cooking process and help preserve the color and crispness of the vegetable. • Veggie Fettuccine. Toss asparagus with red and yellow peppers for a colorful dish. • Finger Food. Asparagus makes a great appetizer for tailgating. • Creamy Soup. Use leeks, onions, russet potatoes, asparagus, low-sodium chicken broth, lemon juice, and low-fat sour cream to make a lower-sodium soup. • Raw. Rinse and dry asparagus and enjoy it as is or in your favorite dip. • Shake and Bake. Place fresh asparagus in a plastic zip lock bag, drizzle with olive oil, add salt, pepper, and other seasonings. Shake until asparagus is coated, then bake at400°F until crisp. • Steamed. A great snack or side dish, cook fresh or frozen asparagus, garlic, and low-sodium seasoning over a small amount of boiling water for 3 to 8 minutes depending on the thickness of the spears. You can also use a microwave. • Gourmet. Dress up your traditional steamed or boiled asparagus with a mustard vinaigrette dressing. • Cheese, Crackers, and Asparagus. Spread a soft cheese (for instance, goat cheese or brie) on whole wheat crackers and top with a crisp asparagus tip. Serve as an appetizer or an afternoon snack. • Grilled. Place asparagus spears on a grill coated with olive oil spray and preheated to medium-high heat. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until tender, turning occasionally. Additional Resources NC State Extension Gardening portal: gardening.ces.ncsu.edu Sources 1. Saunders, Douglas C. 2001. Home Garden Asparagus Production. Horticulture Information Leaflet 8002. Raleigh, NC: NC State Extension, content.ces.ncsu edu/home-garden-asparagus-production.pdf 2. Have a Plant — Fruit & Veggies for Better Health™. Accessed May 2015. fruitsandveggies.org Nutrition Facts Serving Size 5 spears, cooked (93g) Servings Per Container _ Amount Per Serving Calories 20 Calories from Fat О % Daily Value* Total Fat Og 0% Saturated Fat Og 0% Trans Fat Og 0% Cholesterol Omg 0% Sodium Omg 0% Total Carbohydrate 4g 1% Di eta ry F ibe r 2g 8% Sugars 2g Protein 2g Vitamin A 10% • Vitamin C 20% Calcium 0% • Iron 4% •Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs: Calories: 2,000 2,500 Total Fat Less than 65g 80g Saturated Fat Less than 20g 25g Cholesterol Less than 300 mg 300mg Sodium Less than 2,400mg 2.400mg Total Carbohydrate 300g 375g DietaryFiber 25g 30g Calories per gram: Fat 9 • Carbohydrate 4 • Protein 4 Source: Have a Plant — Fruit & Veggies lor Better Health™ KNOW IT, GROW IT, LOVE IT! Home grown or market fresh, local produce is simply the best! Acknowledgments The authors wish to express appreciation to Chris Gunter, Rachel Herring, Debra Ireland, Issac Lewis, Chantel Lumpkin, and Karen Neill for their assistance in preparing this publication. Compiled by Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Guilford County Linda G. Brandon, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Guilford County Jeannie Leonard. Family Consumer Science Agent, Davidson County Lucy K. Bradley. Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University Published by NC State Extension NC STATE EXTENSION copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $ or $ per copy. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex. age, veteran status, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University. North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. Versatile asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse that pairs well with fish, beef, shrimp, veal, chicken, and pasta, but is also great on its own as a side dish. Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, asparagus is as nutritious as it is delicious. One of the first vegetables to arrive in spring, this beautiful perennial looks like a soft fern in the landscape. Growing1 Asparagus is one of the few perennial vegetables we can grow in North Carolina. Once established, an asparagus bed can produce for many years. When and Where to Plant Plant asparagus in winter, between mid- January and mid-March, while the plants are dormant. Plants will be most productive when grown in full sun. For best results, plant asparagus in deep soils that have been well amended with compost. Good drainage is essential, so raised beds are an excellent strategy for asparagus plantings. Soil Requirements Test the soil and amend according to the recommendations at least seven days before planting. Acidic soils will require lime applications to raise the pH to 6.0 to 7.0. How to Plant Plant all male crowns, one to two years old. Use the trench method, digging 6 to 7 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. Set crowns 5 to 8 inches apart and cover with 2 inches of soil. As the plants grow, continue to cover with 2 inches of soil as needed until crowns are 8 03/20— DI/DI Revised AG-808-01