Although you can buy asparagus most times of the year in the United States, spring is the natural season and right now it’s at its freshest. From now through June, most asparagus should be local and from the United States. Next time you’re at the grocery store or your local farmers market, grab a few spears and experience seasonal eating at its best.

Asparagus is not only one of the easiest and most versatile vegetable out there, but it is also packed with amazing nutritional benefits. Last week, we talked about carrots and their amazing source of beta-carotene. Did you know that asparagus is also another great source of beta-carotene? Beta-carotene does much more than protect our vision; it helps protect our cells from free radicals, is a great source of vitamin A, and helps our immune system function properly. Wow! But wait there’s more. When it comes to anti-inflammatory nutrients, asparagus tops them all. It is loaded with vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. All of these nutrients magnesium helps relax our muscles and our nervous system, while selenium helps lower our risk of joint inflammation.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of asparagus is it’s diuretic effect.  Yes, it makes you run to the potty (even if it does make the potty stinky…), which makes it a great veggie to help flatten your belly and reduce bloating.  Could be the answer to your PMS prayers???

As a busy mom staying relaxed in the midst of diaper changing, nap times, play dates, and house chores is not always easy. At Fit Healthy Moms, we know eating well and staying in shape is of the utmost importance to you, which is why asparagus is the recommended vegetable for you and your family this spring. Asparagus can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a side dish, in a soup or salad, or as a main course. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, steamed or sautéed, roasted or grilled, or stir-fried

While some of us simply steam or sauté our asparagus year after year, our buddy Mark Bittman recently shared twelve ways to prepare asparagus. That’s right, TWELVE!! So if you want to impress your family tonight for dinner, take a peek at Bittman’s asparagus recipe collection.

For those of you on the more adventurous side or following a raw food diet then Deb from Smitten Kitchen has just the thing for you with her Ribboned Asparagus Salad with Lemon. If you’ve ever entertained the idea of going raw, head on over to Deb’s website and have a peek (please note that Smitten Kitchen is not a raw food website).

So with only 43 calories a cup, zero cholesterol, and a million ways to prepare it why would you pass up this amazingly delicious vegetable?

(All Photos By:Yunhee Kim for The New York Times)

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