Brava

May 2013

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live in good health joy Bundle of It's the season for fresh asparagus— the humble sidekick for many mighty meals. But this green veggie can pack its own tasty (and healthy) punch. To help get it onto your plate, Brendon Smith of Willy Street Co-op talks the stalk The benefits: Asparagus regulates blood sugar, destroys certain carcinogens and boosts cognitive function. It's high in folate, a B vitamin that's especially important for pregnant women. And with one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any veggie, asparagus can help ward off the aches and pains of aging. Pick and store it: Though it's one of the earliest vegetables to be harvested, fresh asparagus can be found well into June. When choosing your stalks, look for firm, uniformly sized spears with tightly closed tips. Because it tends to dehydrate, consume within 48 hours of purchase. If you must store it longer, snip off the bottom ends and rest it upright in a water-filled container. Prepare it: To prevent nutrient loss caused by its own enzymes, eat asparagus raw or cook it using quick, low-heat methods such as grilling, light sautéing or steaming. Drizzle cooked asparagus with vinaigrette, olive oil or lemon juice and serve it as a tasty accompaniment to any main course, especially grilled meats. It's the champagne of green veggies! 12 BRAVA Magazine May 2013

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