Many health conscious people prefer eating such food items that are high on nutritional content and low on calories. Though, many food and vegetables fulfil this basic criterion, the popularity of asparagus is hard to beat. It is one of the best indicators of the spring season and is available in abundance in the spring season that too at reasonable prices. You visit any restaurant or a five star hotel, you are bound to find several dishes loaded with asparagus on a menu card. Both retail and industrial customers can purchase Asparagus suppliers at affordable rates.
Before divulging some of the cooking techniques of asparagus, let’s take a close look at some of the fast facts associated with this food item.
Fast Facts about Asparagus
The food item has its root from Southwest Asia and it has been consumed for over 4000 years. The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians considered it as a superfood as 100 grams of asparagus provides an average of 18 Kilocalories, and it is rated as an aphrodisiac as well.
Before harvesting, asparagus remains in the ground for three years. Primarily, the seed plantation takes place, then harvesting for giving more room for its growth and once it is matured, it is harvest for the complete one season.
The nutritional content varies in between white and green asparagus. Green asparagus contains higher levels of calcium, protein, niacin, ascorbic acid and vitamins A, B, C and E as compared to the white variety. It even contains 7 times more antioxidants than the white variety that helps in delaying the symptoms of aging. The spears of purple asparagus are a rich source of fiber. Moreover, amongst all three varieties, the purple one is the most effective in providing protection against the harmful UV rays. It is easy to get all three varieties at your doorsteps if you make a purchase from reputed and professional asparagus distributors.
It is a versatile vegetable, which is easy to sauté, steam, grill, etc., as per one’s tastes and requirements. Amongst all the methods, the simple steaming will make it more flavour and impart a tender look.
The long and thin spears contain up to 100% more antioxidant content than short and thick ones.
If you want to avoid hangover, asparagus is the vegetable to eat. Prefer eating the vegetable before drinking as it helps in protecting the liver. The minerals and amino acids present in the green veggie helps in breaking down the alcohol and reduce the chances of hangovers.
It is extremely rich in saponins that help in maintaining the blood pressure, control blood lipid levels and regulate blood sugar levels also.
Processing and Cooking With Asparagus
It is a delicate vegetable, thus the first time users should keep the following precautions in the mind to relish its subtle flavour:
If you are cooking green asparagus, you need not to take of its peel; simply cut the dried ends and its spears by 1-2 cm. On the other hand, when it comes to white asparagus, it is necessary to peel it.
The cooking time of all asparagus varies. For instance, the white ones need to cook for 15-20 minutes, green one requires cooking for 10-12 minutes on a medium flame. If you are frying green asparagus, fry it for 8-10 minutes only.
While purchasing asparagus from local suppliers or distributors, pay a special attention to its organic variety. Closed heads, not too woody ends, no bends on the ends and bright colored tips are some of the best indicators of the fresh asparagus.
Must-to-Try Recipes of Asparagus
Asparagus Mimosa: For this, you need 2 pounds asparagus, 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, salt, 1 teaspoon basil leaves, salt and black pepper. Take a large baking sheet and spray with a non-stick cooking spray. Place the asparagus on the oven tray (preheat oven to 400 degrees) and apply the olive oil over the spears. Bake it for 15 minutes and season it with pepper, salt and basil leaves. You can even use some lemon juice as per your taste.
Asparagus Drop Cookies: You can even try cookies with this versatile vegetable. For this, beat soda, sugar and asparagus together. Add 1 egg in it and beat it well. Add flour and spices and mix all dry ingredients. You can even add nuts and raisins as per your tastes. Use a greased baking sheet and drop the paste over it. Bake it at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes and your cookies are ready!
So, contact a reputed asparagus suppliers or distributors, place an order for fresh asparagus and try these lip-smacking recipes.