This Week's Food Focus is Asparagus

Asparagus is one of those vegetables that heralds spring for me. I've been waiting impatiently until they came down in price so that we could have them as our Food Focus. My son who is 4 at the end of this month loves them and my 22 month old devoured a pea and asparagus risotto last night.

I have very happy memories of going to a farm in the West Midlands a few years ago, with my Grandpa, to buy freshly harvested asparagus. We went home and steamed them for our supper. They are absolutely delicious!

Nutritionally, asparagus is a good source of B vitamins including thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, niacin and especially B6. It's high in dietary fibre, low in calories and sodium. It's a source of vitamin K, vitamin C and E and contributes to the daily recommended doses of essential elements such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, selenium and chromium. It's also a good source of protein, beta-carotene and the rutin flavanol.

This week we will be focusing on these delectable fleshy spears and hoping to share some delicious, healthy and inspiring recipes with you!