Seasonal South Downs
May – Asparagus
We are now exactly half way through the local asparagus season so only four more weeks to enjoy this most delicious of local vegetables and seasonal treat.
Growing asparagus is a labour of love and only in season for eight weeks a year. Did you know that each asparagus can grow up to 10 cm per day? Each spear is harvested by hand when it reaches just the right height and the cool wet spring has helped this year’s crop be one of the best.
Delicious and good for you, asparagus is full of health benefits including promoting healthy gut bacteria and it has a mild detoxifying effect, so is reputedly good for curing a hangover! It also contains vitamin C to boost the immune system and Vitamin K to help with blood clotting.
To prepare, just snap off the woody ends and steam or boil for 3-4 minutes or pop on the grill or barbeque for 6 – 8 minutes. Delicious served with local melted butter, mayonnaise, hollandaise or a simple vinaigrette dressing either hot or cold. Asparagus is really versatile and great in quiches and risotto, as well as being the perfect accompaniment to poached eggs.