January’s a great time to introduce new vegetables to your menu.  With proper preparation, these healthy treats can be just as tasty as the less nutritious snacks they replace.  Over-roasted asparagus is quite easy to cook and makes a delicious side dish.  Start with fresh green asparagus; most grocery stores sell them in bunches.  Rinse the stems and then chop away the woodier, white, bottom part of the stalk and discard.  Spread the stalks on a baking sheet and drizzle with oil, then place in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  For a little extra flavor sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; or, toss 1 or 2 finely chopped cloves of garlic in with the asparagus and olive oil.  This light but flavorful side dish can balance out a richer main course.  Consider serving the asparagus alongside a creamy pasta or heavy beef dish.  The bright green stalks can also bring some welcome color to the winter menu and can visually offset starchy potatoes and other winter favorites.


The asparagus plant is an edible stem intended to hold up a cluster of leaf-like branches.  Because they are meant to be supportive, the asparagus stalks can get very fibrous and woody.  It’s important to use asparagus quickly, as the plant continues to stiffen after harvesting.  Asparagus also loses sugar and moisture faster than most other vegetables.  I would recommend using the day of purchase if possible.  There does appear to be some hope for slightly aged asparagus.  The stalks can be soaked in sugar water before cooking to restore some moisture and sugar.  Especially tough outer layers can also be peeled away if necessary as well.


Finally, there is an unfortunate side effect worth mentioned.  It’s not just a myth; asparagus does create an unusual and unpleasant odor when leaving the body.  A substance known as asparagusic acid is metabolized by the body during digestion.  This metabolism creates chemicals similar to those found in a skunk’s spray.  There are a lucky few who do not process the acid and can eat asparagus guilt free without any stinky side effects.  Funny-smelling pee, however, is only a small trade-off to consider when eating this antioxidant-rich food with a uniquely rich, almost-nutty flavor.