Asparagus

photo credit: gourmetsleuth

What is Asparagus

Asparagus is a member of the lily family. This vegetable with long tender spears has been cultivated for centuries and grows wild in parts of Europe. Asparagus is at its best fresh and lightly steamed. The vegetable can be served warm or chilled.

Purchase asparagus fresh, frozen or canned. In Europe white asparagus is popular. This is not a specific variety but just a method of growing which deprives the spears of light so they don't produce chlorophyll which turns the vegetable green.

Substitute for Asparagus

Substitute canned for fresh OR an alternative vegetable such as leeks or broccoli

Equivalents

14 1/2 - 16 oz. of asparagus = 12 to 18 spears
16 - 20 stalks = 1lb

Stalk Vegetables

Nutrition Information For Asparagus

Serving Size

1 cup

Calories

Calories from Fat

% Daily Value^*

Total Fat 2g

Saturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 695mg

30%

Potassium

416g

10%

Total Carbohydrate 6g

Dietary Fiber 4g

20%

Sugars 3g

Protein 5g

10%

Vitamin A 0%	•	Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%	•	Iron 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Favorite Asparagus Recipes

Savory Swiss Fondue with Chicken and Vegetable Dippers
Chicken is threaded on screwers and broiled then served with a spicy Swiss cheese fondue, bread and fresh vegetables.
Shrimp And Olive Pasta With Wisconsin Parmesan Cheese
This simple dish features fresh asparagus, olives and shrimp in a white wine sauce, tossed with rotini pasta and grated Parmesan cheese.

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