Michigan’s asparagus season is right around the corner, so you will be able to enjoy that outstanding flavor here shortly! Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable with no fat, no cholesterol, and very little sodium. Roughly 120 Michigan farmers gather nearly 20 million pounds of asparagus during the 6-7 week harvest. The season begins in early May and ends in mid-to-late June. Oceana County is known as “The Asparagus Capital of the Nation”. Oceana County is also home to two-thirds of the state’s asparagus production each year due to the area’s ideal climate and sandy soil that allows the crop to grow in a healthy way. Visit http://www.nationalasparagusfestival.org to stay up to date with the Oceana County Asparagus information! Do you have a favorite Michigan asparagus recipe? Posted below is one I’m going to try as soon as the season starts:
Orange and Asparagus Salad
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
2 cups cut-up fresh or frozen Michigan Asparagus
1 (6oz.) bag spring or European lettuce mix
1 (11oz.) can mandarin orange sections, well drained
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup honey roasted cashews
1/2 cup raspberry vinaigrette dressing
Steps:
- Steam or microwave Michigan Asparagus until tender-crisp.
- Drain and let cool.
- Combine cooked asparagus, lettuce, oranges, onion, and cashews.
- Pour dressing over all.
- Toss evenly to coat and serve immediately
