Nutritional Information

Health Benefits Overview

Since ancient times, asparagus has been thought to have special healthful qualities. The harvesting the wild asparagus, famous for their medicinal qualities, was a springtime ritual. These days the ritual is more likely to take place in the produce aisles of the supermarket when California's 116 million pound asparaguscrop comes to market.

Asparagus folklore credits the delicious green spears with everything from curing toothaches to being a reproductive tonic. Today we know that just 5 stalks of asparagus is an excellent source of folic acid, a B vitamin that is associated with a decreased risk of neural tube birth defects. Asparagus is also a good source of vitamin C and carotenoids. Our bodies use some carotenoids to make vitamin A, while others are strong disease-fighting antioxidants.

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 is valuable in strengthening the blood vessels.

Quick cooking best preserves the distinctive taste and nutritional bang of asparagus. Asparagus is delicious, beautiful, and easy to do ahead for a crowd and packed with nutrients.

Nutritional Facts

One serving of asparagus is low in calories and very low in sodium. Asparagus is an excellent source of folic acid and is a fairly significant source of Vitamin C, Thiamin, and Vitamin B6. Asparagus contains no cholesterol of dietary significance. It is an important source of potassium and many micronutrients.