by Jodie Fitz
There’s a national day for just about everything now (wink). And, who are we to argue when it equates to delicious, seasonal bites?
Saturday, May 24th happens to be National Asparagus Day and this year it is paired with the unofficial start of summer; Memorial Day. Together, these two holidays have the potential to collide for a whole lot of flavorful results and you can add a local flare to all of your holiday plans by visiting the Saratoga Farmers’ Market!
This seasonal find is not an easy grow, and it takes several years before you gain an edible harvest. It takes time and care to create this scrumptious and nutrient packed vegetable which makes the seasonal grab, the best. It’s currently making its debut at the market, so now is the time to grab some locally harvested asparagus for the dinner plate and/or picnic table.
Asparagus is not only high in fiber, but it has many nutritional elements like magnesium, folate, selenium, vitamin K, along with other greats; some consider it part of the ‘super food’ community.
Can You eat It Raw? Yes, in fact, you can shave it and add it to salads.
Best ways to cook this vegetable:
- Steam: Place the asparagus in a steam basked with the asparagus upright and steam over boiling water for approximately 5 minutes.
- Boil: Place the asparagus flat in boiling water and cook until tender, plunge them with cold water to stop the cooking process once tender.
- Roast: Toss the asparagus with a light coating of olive oil, season, lay the stalks flat on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and roast for 10-12 minutes at 425 degrees.
- Grill: Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate and/or basket being used to cook the asparagus. Add the asparagus as flat as possible, turning them frequently. They should be fully cooked after two minutes on each side.
- Sautéed: Melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in a skillet, add the asparagus spears and some fresh garlic (optional); cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until asparagus is tender-crisp, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Note: Cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of asparagus; thinner stalks may take less, while thicker may take longer.
Before you use asparagus make sure to prepare it by trimming the woody end. You can cut the end with a knife, or, snap the end of the stalk. Where it naturally snaps, is the beginning of the woody part of the asparagus.
Where to find It at the Market? Currently you can check Gomez Veggie Ville and/or Saratoga Apple for fresh, local asparagus.
Memorial Day: Don’t forget to check last week’s article about meats on the grill for your unofficial, official start of the summer picnic season at SaratogaFarmersMarket.org.
This week’s recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs
Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket. And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.
