Easy Roasted Asparagus

Want to know how to make the best Roasted Asparagus that is delicious, sweet and garlic-y. Forget steaming or boiling… the only way to get amazing asparagus it is to roast it!

Seasonally Delicious

These days asparagus is available all year long but the imported stuff never seems to have the same flavour and sweetness. The good stuff appears here in Alberta in mid to late May. Once local asparagus is in season, we eat as much of it as we can stand. When the kids were little, I used to pickle it, using the same recipe as my Garlic Dill Carrots. However, now we mostly eat it roasted. 

Roasted Asparagus Revelation

 Even though I grew up on a farm, we never grew asparagus in the garden. The first time I had asparagus, I was old enough to remember that I didn’t like it at all. The asparagus had met the same fate as most of the vegetables that my mother cooked; over boiled and bitter. So, it was a revelation the day I first tried oven roasted Asparagus. The flavour was much improved, as the roasting process kills the natural bitterness and brings out the sweetness of the vegetable. 

How to Roast Asparagus

So, I’ve been roasting asparagus for about 22 years now. Roasting asparagus couldn’t be easier. Just wash the stalks in a sink filled with cold water and drain. If the stalks are really huge, use a paring knife to peel the tough skin off. Snap the woody bottom end off as well. Splash olive oil over top and season well with salt and pepper. Spread the stalks in a single layer on a parchment lined baking tray and roast at 450 F for 12 minutes. 

Health Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus is extremely high in fiber, and naturally low in calories. Eating it will provide your body with a number of benefits, including the Vitamins K, A, C, and E as well as a good amount of folate and minerals such as Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, and Zinc. These green stalks of goodness surely contain the best nutritional bang for your buck. 

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