How GREEN is your valley (or springtime dinner plate)?

It’s SPRINGTIME! That means time to tap into Mother Nature’s bounty of gorgeous vegetables that have finally come into season. Asparagus is one of my favorite spring veggies (March through May). The long green shoots contain a unique array of healthful plant chemicals as well as a nice amount of fiber and the vitamins K, B, A and C. At just  43 calories a cup—be sure to pile the asparagus onto your dinner plate! Cooking tips: choose firm spears, not the wrinkled ones; simply break the ends off the entire stalk where it is easiest—with two hands. Asparagus is easy to overcook so watch cooking time. Cook asparagus by simply grilling or broiling -- a great low-calorie way to let the natural flavors peek through.