Fresh asparagus…Yum!

June 13, 2013 · 0 Comments

It’s green, it’s good for you and it’s in season now – asparagus!

For the month of June Shelburnites can enjoy delicious asparagus fresh from the Besley Farm.

Sold at $3/lb (anytime from the Besley country market stand, or during the on-site Farmer’s Market – Thursday’s from 3 – 7 p.m.) this versatile and delicate tasting “flower” (once considered part of the lily family) will also help to keep you feeling slim on those hot, humid days with its diuretic properties.

There are a variety of ways to prepare asparagus, and since it’s low in calories, high in fibre and rich in vitamins (such as B6, calcium, magnesium and zinc) eat as much as you’d like.

Besley asparagus can be served as an appetizer or as the main attraction in your summer meal. Use it in stir-fries, grill it over charcoal or hardwood embers, use it in stews and soups or even enjoy it raw. It can also be pickled, battered and deep-fried or simply dipped and enjoyed as part of your veggie platter.

This is the first year that the Besley Farm is selling the skinny green stuff – with much debated urine changing properties – although they have been carefully cultivating their newest crop for four years. Hand-picked fresh daily, the Besley’s have dedicated a 1/2 acre of land to asparagus. They also grow strawberries, raspberries, sweet corn, pumpkin, squash, beans, beets and zucchini.

Although the uses are endless, the growing season is not. So get some Besley asparagus while you still can!

By Wendy Soloduik