{"id":1627,"date":"2017-05-17T09:45:49","date_gmt":"2017-05-17T15:45:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/uwyoextension.org\/uwnutrition\/?p=1627"},"modified":"2024-01-30T13:24:02","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T20:24:02","slug":"how-to-cook-asparagus","status":"publish","type":"newsletters","link":"https:\/\/uwyoextension.org\/uwnutrition\/newsletters\/how-to-cook-asparagus\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Cook Asparagus"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Did you know that asparagus is a fat-free, low-sodium vegetable that provides lots of nutrients and only has three calories per spear? \u00a0\u00a0Of course, by the time you add butter and seasonings, you might have much higher fat and sodium levels!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Nutrient Dense<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why is asparagus so nutrient-dense?\u00a0 It is because it has Folate (reduces the risk of heart disease, dementia, and neural tube defects), Vitamins A and C (reduces the risk of heart disease and certain cancers plus protects the eye and gives you healthy skin), Vitamin K (essential for bone formation and blood clotting), Rutin (strengthens capillary walls), and Inulin (is a food source for the good bacteria in your large intestine).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Asparagus is also known as a natural remedy that can help relieve indigestion and can act as a mild laxative and sedative.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Despite all of the benefits, there are a few downsides to eating asparagus.\u00a0 The vegetable is high in purine, which increases the risk of gout and kidney stones, and is high in sulfur, which can alter the smell of your urine.\u00a0 In addition, inulin, while a good food source for intestinal bacteria, also produces intestinal gas.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Types<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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There are a few types of asparagus, and they\u2019re all a little bit different.\u00a0 White asparagus comes from the same plant as green, but it is grown out of the sun.\u00a0 That means that it doesn\u2019t develop chlorophyll, which makes it lower in nutrients.\u00a0 Purple asparagus is sweeter, and its color is created by health-promoting antioxidant properties.\u00a0 My friend\u2019s asparagus had the prettiest purple tops, which also made it look quite pretty on my plate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cooking Tips<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When choosing asparagus, you should select spears that are crisp with tips that are pointed and tightly closed.\u00a0 Try to select spears similar in diameter for uniform cooking time.\u00a0 The best way to store asparagus is in a dark part of the refrigerator, wrapped in a moist paper towel.\u00a0 You may also cut off about an inch from the end and place the spears upright in an inch of water.\u00a0 Be sure to use the cut asparagus within two or three days.\u00a0 If the tips become wilted, you can freshen them by briefly soaking them in ice-cold water.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To prepare this delectable vegetable, you will want to run the spears under cool, running water.\u00a0 If the tips have sand or dirt in them, dunk the tips in and out of water and then rinse them really well.\u00a0 Be sure to trim off any tough or white ends.\u00a0 You only cook the asparagus until it is tender and crisp.\u00a0 Steaming or microwaving are better cooking methods than boiling, and asparagus can also be stir-fried, roasted, broiled, or grilled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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