I never realized how many of my neighbors grow asparagus in their gardens. Now, I adore asparagus, but I've never tried to plant it or grow it. I get mine at the supermarket or local farmer's market.

Asparagus is one of the first signs that Spring is really and truly here. Today we had snow flurries here in the "banana belt" of southern Vermont, but asparagus is just about ready to be picked. Did you know that asparagus has been around for almost 2000 years? No, not the stuff that the school lunch ladies boiled to death and served in a sickly green, mushy pile on your plate. I'm talkiing crisp, deep-green, purple, or even white stalks that proudly adorn your dinner plate.

One cup of asparagus actually provides over 1/3 of your daily vitamin C needs, which is great now that oranges are scarce in grocery stores in my area. It's also a good source of folate, vitamin K, and vitamin A.

My favorite way to cook asparagus is to drizzle it with olive oil, sprinkle with black pepper, and broil. Simple, delicious, and definitely not fussy. Or toss steamed asparagus with hot pasta, olive oil, and rosemary. However you serve asparagus, it's a sign of Spring you don't want to miss.