UNH Nutrition Intern Caitlin Porter shows how to select and prepare this spring treat.

Recipe for fresh roasted asparagus from a New Hampshire Farmer's Market

Farmer's markets are a great place to get the freshest produce New Hampshire has to offer. There are over 20 in the state and they are all fun places to meet local growers and get some great food. To find one near you, I suggest checking out the list of farmers markets in the state published by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food.

A Fabulous Asparagus Recipe

When you go to a farmers market in the spring, you will likely find bundles of fresh asparagus for sale. The bright-green veggie is loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, as well as folate, iron, copper, calcium, protein, and fiber. It is not a vegetable that you want to eat raw, so try an easy roasting recipe to bring out the flavor. 

Roasted Asparagus

Servings: 4    Serving Size: 4-6 Spears

Ingredients:

1 bunch asparagus
1 Tablespoon olive oil
pinch salt and pepper
lemon juice (optional)
parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Cover a cookie sheet with foil (optional) for easy clean up.
Place asparagus on cookie sheet in a single layer.
Coat with olive oil.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until asparagus is tender.
Squeeze lemon juice or parmesan cheese over the top for flavor.

Roasted Asparagus Nutrition Facts Label

Selecting Asparagus and Making the Recipe

Part of my internship with UNH Cooperative Extension was to create educational videos on how to pick the freshest produce at farmers markets and then how to make a delicious dish with it. I had a blast combining my love of cooking and education to help people eat healthier. Below is my video on asparagus - enjoy! 
 

 



Author(s)

Extension Contributor / UNH Nutritional Sciences Graduate Student