Asparagus is a spear-like vegetable that is a member of the lily family. It’s typically in season in the UK from April until June, traditionally starting 23 April (St George’s Day) and ending on the summer solstice in June. The majority of asparagus is green in colour, but you can also get white and purple varieties too.
 

Asparagus is packed full of goodness including vitamin A, an essential nutrient that helps to protect our eyes, skin and immune system, plus vitamin C which helps to strengthen our capillaries and is involved in collagen formation. Asparagus is also a good source of vitamin K, used in bone formation and blood clotting, and may reduce the risk of diabetes.

Asparagus also contains folic acid, important for making blood cells. Folic acid is also an essential nutrient during pregnancy as it is needed for foetal development. Just 150g of asparagus will provide the total recommended daily intake of folic acidfor most adults (200mg). The NHS recommends that pregnant women get 400mg folic acid a day.

Asparagus has long been known for its diuretic properties, meaning it's good for helping to flush out the kidneys and may help in the prevention of kidney stones. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, so may relieve inflammatory conditions.

Five asparagus spears or 80g of asparagus counts as one portion towards your five-a-day. Read our five-a-day infographic and discover cheap ways to reach your five-a-day.
 

There is some evidence that asparagus may help ease some of the symptoms of a hangover due to the vegetable’s fibre and flavonoid (plant compounds) content. The research even suggests that asparagus may help reduce damage to the liver caused by alcohol, although further research is needed.

Encouragingly, research has shown that cooked asparagus may be useful in gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcerative colitis as it helps to regulate the digestive system, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting repair. Asparagus is one of a variety of vegetables that can act as a prebiotic, boosting the good bacteria in the digestive system.

Asparagus is super versatile and can be baked, griddled, roasted, steamed, boiled or blanched.