May marks National Asparagus Month. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy the “aristocrat of vegetables.”

How to select and store asparagus:

•Select bright green asparagus with closed, compact and firm tips. Also look for cut ends that are not dry.

•Keep fresh asparagus clean, cold and covered. Trim the stem end about 1/4 inch and wash in warm water several times. To maintain freshness, wrap a moist paper towel around the stem ends, or stand upright in two inches of cold water.  Refrigerate and use within 2 or 3 days for best quality.

•If storing in the freezer, blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then cool in ice water immediately.  Drain well and pack in plastic freezer bags or containers leaving no excess air space. Use within eight months for best quality.

Source: www.asparagus.org.

Health benefits of asparagus:

Folic Acid

Asparagus is a good source of folic acid, providing as much as to 33 percent of your daily needs in a half-cup serving.  Folic acid is one of the B vitamins that helps the body produce and maintain new cells.  In particular, red blood cell formation is dependent on adequate levels of this vitamin.

It may also help cells resist changes in their DNA associated with the development of cancer. Folic acid plays a very important role in pregnancy by significantly reducing the incidence of birth defects known as neural tube defects (malformations of the spine and brain).

 Digestion

Asparagus is rich in fiber, containing about 3 grams per cup. It also contains a noteworthy amount of protein (about 4-5 grams per cup).  Both protein and fiber help stabilize our digestion and keep food moving through us at a desirable rate.

Asparagus also contains significant amounts of the nutrient inulin, which is referred to as a “prebiotic.”  Inulin bypasses the first segments of digestion and arrives at the large intestine undigested. Because of this, it is an ideal food source for certain kinds of “good” bacteria in our intestines that are associated with better nutrient absorption.

A few quick serving ideas:

1.) Add chopped asparagus to salads, omelets, rice, quinoa and pasta dishes.

2.) Coat asparagus with olive oil and season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Roast in a 400-degree oven for 25 minutes. Try coating in grated Parmesan cheese for a real treat.

3.) Fire up the grill.  Marinate asparagus in olive oil, coarsely-ground pepper, kosher salt, minced garlic and a bit of balsamic vinegar for about two hours.

Thread 6-7 asparagus stalks into a row, onto two bamboo skewers, piercing the asparagus toward the top and bottom of the stalk. Barbecue at a medium-heat setting for a total of 5-6 minutes.

Asparagus with creamy tarragon sauce

Serves 4.

Active Time: 15 minutes  Total: 15 minutes

All you need

•2 bunches asparagus, tough ends trimmed

•1⁄2 cup low-fat plain yogurt

•6 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise

•4 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried

•1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

•1 tablespoon water

•2 teaspoons Hy-Vee Dijon mustard

•Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

All you do

1. Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Put asparagus in a steamer basket, cover and steam until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, tarragon, lemon juice, water, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the asparagus. Serve warm or cold.

To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate the sauce for up to 3 days. This sauce is like a luscious, creamy béarnaise sauce without all the calories and fat.

Nutrition facts per serving: 114 calories; 7g fat (1g sat, 2g mono); 8mg cholesterol; 10g carbohydrate; 0g added sugars; 4g protein; 2g fiber; 350mg sodium; 336mg potassium.  Nutrition bonus: Folate (42% daily value), Vitamin A (25% dv).Carbohydrate Servings: half.

Source: adapted from Eating Well, Inc.