Move Over Avocado! 17 Photos That Prove Asparagus Is The Healthiest And Sexiest Food There Is

May in the UK is the start of the asparagus season, so make the most of those slender spears.

At this time of year, shops and farmers’ markets are full of emerald green bunches of British asparagus. Quick to cook, it makes a great starter and needs nothing more than a knob of butter and a sprinkle of sea salt. Alternatively, you can add it to salads along with broccoli for a super healthy boost. Poached eggs work particularly well with asparagus, as do boiled ones for dipping those slender shafts in. In Europe ‘forced’ or white asparagus is popular, but is treated in the same way. Also, keep an eye out for the rarer purple version which is slowly is becoming more plentiful.

Officially the sexiest vegetable

Asparagus is high in vitamin E, which helps increase blood flow to… well, you get the idea. It also contains plenty of potassium and other vitamins. But perhaps the best thing about asparagus is its suggestive shape, something you can’t say about a potato.

Where to get it

The Vale of Evesham in Worcestershire, UK is best known for growing asparagus, and they’re hosting the British Asparagus Festival, hosting various events in May all the way through to the end of June. In the USA, Michigan is asparagus country, and they’re hosting the National Asparagus Festival in late June. So now’s the time to think seasonal and shop local, and enjoy this wonderful healthy vegetable. Below are examples of how some of our favourite instagrammers put it to use in the kitchen.

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About the author

Andrew Webb

Food & Drink Editor

Born in the Midlands and raised in the North West of England, Andrew came to London to attend St Martin's College of Art. After ten years working for the BBC and Channel 4, he set off on an eight month food tour of Britain, which led him to write his award-winning book, Food Britannia. He was previously the Editor of Lovefood.com and also produced and hosted delicious magazine's podcast. Responsible for the Culture Trip's food and drink content, he is interested in hearing about food events, product launches and potential interviews with chefs and food producers. He's also judged the British Pie Awards, reviewed restaurants, and spoken at food festivals, and so knows a good plate of food when he sees it. He can be found tweeting here @foodjournalist