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California Asparagus
http://www.calasparagus.comReview by Debbie Mazo
From the Greek word meaning sprout or shoot, asparagus is a treasured member of the lily family. Prized for its unique flavor and medicinal qualities, asparagus cultivation began more than 2,000 years ago in the eastern Mediterranean region. Visit the California Asparagus website and answer all of your questions about one of the most popular vegetables for spring and summer dishes.
With all kinds of information on this ancient vegetable delicacy, California Asparagus will help end the war when it comes to convincing both kids and adults to eat their vegetables. For starters, click on Nutritional Info to find out just how much of a nutritional winner asparagus really is. According to the National Cancer Institute, asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione, one of the body's most potent cancer fighters. Additionally, asparagus is high in rutin, which helps to strengthen the blood vessels.
Asparagus is traditionally called the "Food of Kings," since King Louis XIV of France loved asparagus so much that he built special greenhouses to have a ready supply of it all year-round. Click on Simple Cooking Basics to find out how to select, store, and prepare this royal vegetable. When purchasing, choose bright green asparagus with closed, compact, firm tips. If the tips are slightly wilted, freshen them up by soaking them in cold water. Although most flavorful when cooked the same day it's purchased, keeping your asparagus moist by tightly wrapping it and storing it in the refrigerator will make it last longer.
Asparagus makes a great ingredient in salads and stir fries or can stand alone as the vegetable selection for your main course. Check out the recipe file at California Asparagus for innovative choices like Asparagus Guacamole traditionally served with tortilla chips or as an accompaniment for chicken or seafood. Or, try the Springtime Stir-Fry with Scallops and California Jumbo Asparagus featuring crisp asparagus spears lightly sautéed in sesame oil.
If you'd like to serve asparagus on its own, asparagus with lemon juice can be a winning combination. Or, try herbs such as chives, parsley, or tarragon melted into butter to maximize the distinct flavor of asparagus. Whether you like your asparagus simple or all dressed up, California Asparagus can lend a hand when it comes to this celebrated vegetable.
About the Writer
Debbie Mazo is a writer and editor based
in Vancouver, Canada. She currently specializes in technical
and marketing materials, but is also pursuing opportunities
in food journalism.
Copyright © 2000, Debbie Mazo. All rights reserved.
June 2000
This page created June 2000