Asparagus

Asparagus is one of the first signs of spring!  It is not around for a long time but it is prolific once it starts.  It is a flowering perennial which is part of the lily family and a distant cousin to onion & garlic. You can shave it to eat it raw in a salad, steam, blanch or bbq.    

Young asparagus does not need to be peeled, but the older thicker stalks and the much prized white asparagus needs to have the fibrous skin removed.  If you are going to bbq asparagus make sure that you blanch and refresh it first to keep it plump and juicy!