Are you looking for a healthy and delicious side dish to add to your meals? Look no further than 1 small spear (5" long or less) cooked asparagus (from fresh, fat added in cooking) which contains only 5 calories. Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that's easy to prepare and has numerous health benefits.

In addition to being low in calories, asparagus is also a great source of vitamins and nutrients. One cup of cooked asparagus contains 70% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health, as well as vitamins A and C, folate, and iron.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the nutritional content of asparagus, how to select and prepare it, the many health benefits of this tasty vegetable, and much more.

What are the Nutritional Content of Small Spear Cooked Asparagus?

As we mentioned earlier, asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable that's low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional content of 1 small spear of cooked asparagus:

• 5 calories
• 0g fat
• 1g protein
• 1g fiber
• 1g sugar

It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate.

How to Select and Prepare Asparagus?

When shopping for asparagus, look for stalks that are firm, straight, and bright green with tightly closed tips. They should also have a slight shine, which indicates freshness. Avoid asparagus with woody or mushy stems, or tips that have started to turn brown. To prepare asparagus, rinse it under cold water and trim the woody ends off the bottom of the stalks. You can cook asparagus in a variety of ways, including steaming, roasting, grilling, or sautéing. Just be careful not to overcook it, as this can cause the asparagus to become mushy. Asparagus is best when served immediately after cooking, but if you need to store it, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

What Are the Health Benefits of Asparagus?

In addition to being low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, asparagus has numerous health benefits. Here are just a few:

• May improve digestive health
• May help regulate blood sugar levels
• May reduce inflammation
• May support heart health
• May have anti-cancer properties

These health benefits are due in part to the high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in asparagus.

How to Store Small Spear Cooked Asparagus?

If you have leftover cooked asparagus, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply steam or sauté until heated through. If you have fresh asparagus that you won't be using right away, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also blanch and freeze asparagus for later use.

What are the Different Recipes to Cook Small Spear Cooked Asparagus?

Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a wide variety of recipes. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Roasted asparagus with lemon and Parmesan cheese
• Grilled asparagus with balsamic glaze
• Asparagus and goat cheese quiche
• Asparagus pesto pasta
• Asparagus soup

You can also use asparagus in salads, stir-fries, and risottos.

How to Serve Small Spear Cooked Asparagus?

There are many ways to serve small spear cooked asparagus. Here are a few ideas:

• As a side dish to grilled chicken or fish
• As a topping for pizza or flatbread
• In a salad with goat cheese and walnuts
• As a snack with hummus or tzatziki dip

Get creative and see what other flavor combinations you can come up with!

What are the Best Complements for Small Spear Cooked Asparagus?

Asparagus pairs well with a wide variety of flavors. Here are a few suggestions for the best complements:

• Lemon
• Parmesan cheese
• Balsamic vinegar
• Goat cheese
• Walnuts

Try experimenting with different herbs and spices as well to find your favorite flavor combinations.

How to Cook Small Spear Cooked Asparagus Perfectly?

To cook small spear cooked asparagus perfectly, follow these simple tips:

• Choose fresh, firm asparagus stalks
• Trim off the woody ends
• Don't overcook - asparagus should be tender but still crisp
• Season with salt and pepper
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

Remember that the best way to find your perfect cooking method is to experiment and try out different techniques until you find what works best for you!

What are the Different Varieties of Asparagus?

While green asparagus is the most common variety, there are actually several different types of asparagus, each with their own unique flavor and appearance. Here are a few:

• White asparagus - grown in the dark to prevent photosynthesis and keep the stalks from turning green; has a milder, slightly sweet flavor
• Purple asparagus - high in antioxidants; has a sweeter, fruitier flavor than green asparagus
• Wild asparagus - a thinner, more delicate variety that's foraged rather than grown commercially

Try experimenting with different types of asparagus to find your favorite!

Are There Any Side Effects of Eating Asparagus?

While asparagus is generally safe and healthy for most people to eat, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of. These include:

• Urinary odor - due to the high levels of sulfur-containing compounds in asparagus, some people may notice a strong odor in their urine after eating asparagus
• Bloating or gas - asparagus contains a type of carbohydrate called raffinose, which can be difficult for some people to digest
• Allergies - some people may be allergic to asparagus, although this is relatively rare

If you experience any adverse symptoms after eating asparagus, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.