Shrinking Sisters: Produce of the Week: Asparagus

One of my new favorite veggies is the asparagus. Many years ago, Gail & I were Diet Workshop members, and a recipe for asparagus soup was shared. It is so simple and easy -- I love it. It uses canned veggies, so look for the salt free or reduced sodium varieties... but get out your pencils and paper... here it is...

1) can of asparagus
1) can of green beans

Mix in a blender.

Heat and eat.

Here's some more info on our Produce of the Week:

Asparagus is a member of the Lily family.
Asparagus spears grow from a crown that is planted about a foot deep in sandy soils.
Under ideal conditions, an asparagus spear can grow 10" in a 24-hour period.
Each crown will send spears up for about 6-7 weeks during the spring and early summer.
The outdoor temperature determines how much time will be between each picking...early in the season, there may be 4-5 days between pickings and as the days and nights get warmer, a particular field may have to be picked every 24 hours.
After harvesting is done the spears grow into ferns, which produce red berries and the food and nutrients necessary for a healthy and productive crop the next season.

An asparagus planting is usually not harvested for the first 3 years after the crowns are planted allowing the crown to develop a strong fibrous root system.
A well cared for asparagus planting will generally produce for about 15 years without being replanted.
The larger the diameter, the better the quality!
Asparagus is a nutrient-dense food which in high in Folic Acid and is a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin.
Asparagus has No Fat, contains No Cholesterol and is low in Sodium.