Asparagus - The First Lady's Favorite Spring Vegetable

Asparagus: A Vegetable Loved by First Ladies

Asparagus is a nutritious spring vegetable that has long been a staple of fine dining and an elegant addition to meals at the White House. Many First Ladies have enjoyed this perennial vegetable and incorporated it into meals for their families and state dinners.

From Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, generations of First Ladies have appreciated the delicate flavor of asparagus and its artistic look on the plate. Asparagus evokes images of sophistication that fits right in with White House traditions.

Read on to learn more about the history of asparagus and how this vegetable has been cherished by First Ladies through the years as an iconic part of their role as White House hostess.

Asparagus Origins and History

Asparagus has been cultivated for over 2,000 years in parts of Europe and Asia. The ancient Greeks and Romans prized asparagus for its unique taste and texture.

The oldest asparagus recipes come from the oldest known cookbook, Apicius De Re Coquinaria, with instructions dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Cultivation spread from the Mediterranean to other parts of Europe over centuries.

Asparagus gained the nickname royal vegetable during the French Renaissance period. French kings reportedly loved asparagus so much they would have special greenhouses built to grow the spears year-round.

Asparagus came to North America with early European settlers who brought the seeds. American presidents and founding fathers including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew asparagus in their own gardens.

Asparagus in the White House

Asparagus has been served for over two centuries in the White House, starting with Americas first First Lady, Martha Washington. She entertained dignitaries with meals featuring produce from the gardens on the grounds.

Throughout history, First Ladies have directed White House chefs to highlight asparagus at springtime state dinners, Easter egg rolls, and other official gatherings.

Mary Todd Lincoln was known for decorating asparagus spears ornately with hard-boiled egg slices. Eleanor Roosevelt had asparagus available for White House guests, staff, and reporters daily during the short season.

First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, and Nancy Reagan were all fans of fresh asparagus and had gardens on White House grounds expanded to grow more of the vegetable.

Asparagus Nutrition and Health Benefits

Beyond its delicate flavor and artistic appeal on the plate, asparagus offers an array of potential health benefits supported by research.

High in Antioxidants

Asparagus contains various antioxidant compounds, including rutin, ferulic acid, kaempferol and quercetin. Antioxidants defend against cell damage and protect overall health.

Excellent Source of Fiber

A 1 cup serving of asparagus provides 2-3 grams of dietary fiber, which promotes digestion. The fiber content may also help control blood sugar and cholesterol.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The antioxidants and nutrients in asparagus have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is linked to numerous chronic diseases.

May Prevent Certain Cancers

Asparagus is high in saponins, which may help fight cancers including colon, bone, lung, breast and prostate cancers through cell regulation.

Supports Reproductive Health

Folate in asparagus promotes fertility and healthy pregnancies. The antioxidants also protect sperm health and may prevent congenital disabilities.

Strengthens Bones

Asparagus has bone-strengthening vitamin K, along with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D for improved bone density.

Heart Healthy Benefits

The fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients in asparagus support cardiovascular function and may reduce risk factors for heart disease.

Selecting and Storing Asparagus

Choosing fresh, top quality asparagus spears and storing them properly helps retain the most flavor and nutrition:

Picking Peak Season Spears

Look for firm, bright green stalks with tight tips during spring and early summer when asparagus is in season. Large stalks will be woodier while skinny ones lack flavor.

Opting for Fresh Over Canned

Canned asparagus loses some texture and nutrients compared to fresh. But if using canned, look for low sodium options with no preservatives.

Storing Properly

After purchase, trim woody ends and store upright in about an inch of water like flowers. Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum. Cut ends again before cooking.

Freezing for Later Use

Blanch spears briefly in boiling water, then immediately ice to stop cooking. Freeze in airtight bags up to one year. Best for cooking vs. raw use after thawing.

Preparing and Cooking Asparagus

Enjoying asparagus at peak freshness requires proper cooking methods. Here are some tips:

Rinsing and Trimming

Rinse spears under cool water and gently pat dry. Trim off any dried, woody ends which are too fibrous to eat.

Blanching First

Quickly blanching in boiling salted water tenderizes spears before sauting, roasting or grilling. For maximum texture, skip blanching if eating raw.

Roasting Whole Spears

Roast at 400F for 15-20 minutes on a sheet pan with olive oil and seasoning. Browns tips without overcooking.

Steaming or Sauting

Steam over boiling water 5-8 minutes until al dente. Or saut in pan 2-3 minutes just until bright green.

Grilling for Added Flavor

Grill blanched spears in a grill basket 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Eating Raw

Enjoy raw asparagus sliced thin or shaved into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Works well in salads and appetizer platters.

Asparagus Recipe Inspiration

From appetizers to side dishes to main courses, asparagus can be part of all types of meals. Some recipe ideas include:

Asparagus and Goat Cheese Frittata

Blend sauted asparagus into egg mixture with crumbled goat cheese and bake into a custardy, quiche-like dish.

Asparagus Salad with Arugula and Shaved Parm

Toss shaved raw asparagus with peppery arugula, parmesan curls, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette.

Creamy Asparagus Soup

Puree sauted asparagus with onion and garlic, then blend with vegetable broth and a touch of cream.

Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce

Serve steamed or grilled spears topped with the classic French buttery egg and lemon sauce.

Asparagus Risotto

Add sliced asparagus at the end of cooking the Arborio rice to gently wilt into this creamy Italian dish.

Asparagus Quiche

Line a pie crust with blanched asparagus spears, then fill with a savory creamy egg custard and bake.

Asparagus Pasta

Toss pasta like farfalle or linguine with sauted asparagus, garlic, olive oil and shaved parmesan cheese.

White House Recipes with Asparagus

Several First Lady favorites incorporate elegant asparagus into the recipe:

Nancy Reagans Asparagus Vinaigrette

Fresh asparagus tossed with a Dijon mustard vinaigrette made with shallots, tarragon and red wine vinegar.

Hillary Clintons Baked Chicken with Asparagus

Boneless chicken breasts baked with lemon and white wine paired with roasted asparagus spears.

Laura Bushs Asparagus and Mushroom Crpes

Thin French crpes wrapped around sauted asparagus and mushrooms finished with Gruyre cheese.

Michelle Obamas Turkey Chili with Asparagus

A lighter chili made with ground turkey, veggies like asparagus, and beans slow simmered in broth.

The Significance of Asparagus for First Ladies

Serving asparagus has been a tradition in the White House since Martha Washingtons time. This elegant spring vegetable symbolizes the sophistication First Ladies try to bring to state affairs.

By directing the preparation of dishes like asparagus vinaigrette or baked chicken with asparagus, First Ladies put their own refined mark on White House cuisine.

Asparagus visually dresses up any plate, whether an informal family dinner or a formal state banquet. The delicacy and nutrition of asparagus reflects the care First Ladies put into hosting White House events.

Using produce like fresh asparagus from White House gardens also allows First Ladies to honor the estates history and highlight seasonality. Serving this garden-to-table vegetable connects state dinners to the original inhabitants of the historic home.

Over centuries, trends may change but asparagus remains a constant part of the First Ladys efforts to use White House meals to promote American foods, culture, and innovation to visiting dignitaries from around the world.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.