What’s Fresh Now? (June 2007)
Rhubarb (from The Rhubarb Compendium)
Rhubarb is a vegetable with a unique taste that makes it a favorite in many pies and desserts. It is a perennial plant that originated in Asia over 2,000 years ago. It was initially cultivated for its medicinal qualities, it was not until the 18th century that rhubarb was grown for culinary purposes in Britain and America. Rhubarb is often commonly mistaken to be a fruit but rhubarb is actually a close relative of garden sorrel, and is therefore a member of the vegetable family. Rhubarb is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber.
Recipe
Rhubarb Crunch (great for breakfast!)
1 1/2-2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 cups rhubarb, cut-up
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
Mix all together in large bowl and put into a greased and floured 9×13 baking pan. Combine: 1/4 white sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over top of cake batter. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. Like anything with rhubarb, this is also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Asparagus
Facts about Asparagus (from the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board)
Asparagus is a member of the Lily family. Asparagus spears grow from a crown that can grow 10″ in a 24-hour period. Each crown will send spears up for about 6-7 weeks during the spring and early summer. After harvesting is done the spears grow into ferns, which produce red berries and the food and nutrients necessary for a healthy and productive crop the next season. An asparagus planting is usually not harvested for the first 3 years after the crowns are planted allowing the crown to develop a strong fibrous root system. A well cared for asparagus planting will generally produce for about 15 years without being replanted. Asparagus is a nutrient-dense food which in high in folic acid and is a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin. Asparagus has no fat, no cholesterol and is low in sodium.
Recipe
Asparagus is great any number of ways. I love to grill it. You can saute it with butter and garlic, steam it, add it to homemade pizza.
If you have a favorite recipe for asparagus, please let us know!