The name for asparagus is most likely derived from the Persion word Asparag, meaning sprout.  However, the Greek word Aspharagos means long as one's throat and in 18'th century England this treat was known as sparrowgrass - so pick the story you like best!

Asparagus is good lightly steamed but fresh locally grown asparagus should also be tried raw to take advantage of both the fabulous taste treat and the highest level of nutrients which include Vitamins A, B, and C and the minerals zinc and potassium (and remember that potassium is important in maintaining proper the acid/base balance in your body). (Sometimes a run on sentence cannot be helped...)

And for those of you who are calorie conscious, a cup of asparagus contains only 35 calories!  But, what the heck, go ahead and splurge - add a dash of balsamic vinegar and olive oil!

Best of all - fresh (really really fresh - not "grocery store fresh") locally grown asparagus is now available from Reverence Gardens!  Priced at $4 per pound, these beautiful, tendercrisp, and succulent stalks do not need to be trimmed, so you can use the entire pound - there are no tough ends to break off!

Call 847-445-6642 or e-mail reverencegardens@gmail.com to order yours!  Get plenty for fresh eating and for turning into soup.  Though no one likes to think of winter (it was a long one) it is really nice to have some frozen asparagus soup on hand to warm you up with thoughts of spring in January!