Seasonal Saturday: Asparagus

One of the best ways to save money is to buy in season, so here at Low Carb on a Dime, each Saturday we will highlight a new vegetable that is in season right now, along with a simple recipe that anyone can cook!

This week's vegetable is asparagus. Known by the scientific name Asparagus officinalis, this spring and early summer vegetable is native to Europe, Northern Africa and West Asia, but is cultivated worldwide as a vegetable crop. It is a good source of vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, selenium, and chromium.

1 cup of asparagus has 5.2 Carbs and 2.8 grams of fiber, giving it a net carb count of 2.4!

In honor of the fact my family broke out the grill for the first time of the season this week, I present a family favorite:

Grilled Asparagus

1 lb of asparagus, washed and trimmed.
1.5 tbs of olive oil
1 tbs lemon juice
Salt
Pepper
2 cloves of garlic
Wooden or Metal Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak for about an hour to keep them from burning
Peel the two cloves of garlic and rub each asparagus spear with the garlic cloves
Put 4-5 asparagus on two skewers, running one through the bunch at the top, and one at the bottom perpendicular to the stalks
Pour olive oil over the asparagus spears to coat
Sprinkle with salt and pepper
Grill over hot flame for 3-4 minutes on each side

This tastes wonderful with just a bit of fresh lemon zest and lemon juice squeezed over the asparagus just before serving.

Nutrition
Calories 67
Fat 5.2g
Carbohydrates 4.4g
Dietary Fiber 2.4g
Net Carbs 2g
Protein 2.5g