Best of the Bites: Asparagus

Although the weather might not reflect it just yet, spring has arrived. Say goodbye to the heavy root vegetables of the winter and hello to the beautiful greens of spring. Not only does April usually signify the start of spring, but also the beginning of asparagus season.

The health benefits alone should be reason enough to include this nutrient-packed superfood into your diet. Why? Here are some highlights:

• It is high in the B Vitamin - Folate. Foods high in folate are essential for a healthy heart because of the role it plays in converting homocysteine, an amino acid associated with arthrosclerosis. And for every woman who is thinking about having a baby or is in the early stages of pregnancy, folate-rich foods are a must because they are necessary for proper cell division and preventing birth defects.
• It is an excellent source of Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and also aids in osteoporosis prevention (aka healthy bones!).
• Good source of Potassium and low in sodium making it a natural diuretic. A great choice if you are feeling bloated from retaining water. Some of you may complain about a funky odor in your urine after you eat asparagus, but I'm afraid that depends on your own genetic makeup, and how it breaks down the asparagus in your digestive tract. Not too worry... it may smell but it won't harm you.
• 1 medium spear is only 3 calories, making it a smart choice of veggie to snack on.
• Asparagus is also a great source of fiber, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. I could go on, but you get the point.

When buying fresh asparagus, look for stalks that are firm and rounded with closed tips. The most common type is green in color, but you can also find white and purple varieties too. I recommend using asparagus right away, but if not, wrap in a paper towel in a dark cool place (light exposure will destroy the nutrients) and use within 2 days. Asparagus is delicious raw (in crudite or salads), steamed or sautéed. My good friend Jennifer Iserloh, The Skinny Chef, created this wonderful asparagus recipe that she has graciously allowed me to share with you. Use as a side dish or appetizer! 

Balsamic Asparagus (Recipe Courtesy Jennifer Iserloh)

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced

1 bunch green asparagus, trimmed, cut in half

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

¼ cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup cubed fresh mozzarella

Directions