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When asparagus hits my CSA share, I know that our New England winter is finally over and spring is here!  Whether it's roasted, steamed, sauteed, or frozen for use later in the year

This week, I'm sharing a video recipe for poached fish on a bed of asparagus, some little known facts about the vegetable (including a fascinating fact about the first cooks to actually freeze asparagus), and giving you 20% off the Cestari Easy Pod, which among its many talents, does a great job steaming asparagus in the microwave.

Enjoy,

Susan

1. Asparagus in the Space Race
In the 1980s, asparagus was grown aboard the Space Shuttle as part of NASA’s experiments on the possibilities of cultivating food in space. This choice was due to asparagus's robust nature and adaptability to different growing environments.

2. Historical Delicacy for Royals
Since ancient times, asparagus has been considered a luxury, savored by royalty such as Louis XIV of France, who even had special greenhouses built to enjoy this vegetable year-round.

3. Asparagus and Ancient Remedies
The Greeks and Romans used asparagus to treat various ailments, from bee stings to toothaches, believed it had diuretic properties that could also relieve heart disease.

4. A Festival for Spears
Stockton, California, hosts an annual festival dedicated to asparagus, celebrating everything from its cultivation to its culinary applications, complete with parades and a variety of asparagus-centric dishes.

5. Speedy Growers
Asparagus is one of the fastest-growing vegetables, capable of growing up to 10 inches in just 24 hours under ideal conditions. This rapid growth can be observed almost with the naked eye during the peak growing season.

6. A Plant for the Long Haul 
An asparagus plant can be productive for up to 15 years or more, making it an excellent long-term crop for gardeners.

7. Colorful Varieties of Asparagus 
While green asparagus is most common, purple asparagus is known for its slightly sweeter, nuttier flavor due to high levels of anthocyanins. White asparagus, grown underground to prevent it from turning green, is a delicacy in Europe, celebrated for its milder, more delicate flavor.

8. The Asparagus “Effect” 
Asparagus is known for causing a distinctive odor in urine after it is eaten. This phenomenon is due to asparagusic acid being metabolized into sulfur-containing compounds. Interestingly, the ability to detect this odor varies, as it is genetically determined according to research published in the *British Medical Journal*.

9. Roman Ingenuity with Asparagus
The Romans were pioneers in preserving asparagus for off-season enjoyment. They stored freshly harvested asparagus in the Alps by packing it in snow. This early method of food preservation allowed them to enjoy the vegetable all year round, retrieving it from the mountains for feasts and special occasions.

10. Global Asparagus Production
Today, asparagus is grown on almost every continent, with China leading the way in production, followed by Peru and Mexico. This highlights its global appeal and adaptability to various climates and agricultural techniques.

Save 20% on Cestari's Easy Pod, which steams and roasts vegetables, bakes bread , microwaves omelets, and more! Save 20% with code ASPARAGUS through May 21 at the Cestari store on Amazon

Jake from Boston recommends, "For perfectly cooked asparagus, use the steaming method. It's quick and helps retain the color, nutrients, and texture. Just steam for about 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness."

Laura from Austin suggests, "For the best flavor and texture, roast asparagus at a high temperature (around 400 degrees F) until it is just tender and slightly charred—it brings out a lovely nutty sweetness."

Rahul from Chicago comments, "Don’t overcook asparagus; it should be vibrant green and still have a bit of crunch to maintain its nutrients and best taste."

Mia from Miami advises, "Use a vegetable peeler to shave raw asparagus into ribbons for a refreshing salad. It's a great way to enjoy asparagus in the warmer months!"

Elliot from Seattle mentions, "Grilling asparagus is a game-changer. Toss it with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill for a few minutes on each side for a delicious smoky flavor."

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