It’s officially asparagus season and asparagus is best when it’s really fresh. Look for asparagus at local farmers markets from February to June, with April being the peak.

 Fresh asparagus will be bright green with no signs of shriveling. The tips may have a purplish cast, but they should be firm and tight, never mushy. Slender fresh asparagus is delicious raw, while the thicker stalks are best roasted or steamed.

Asparagus is a very healthy vegetable that is rich in folate, which is an essential nutrient also known as vitamin B-9. This nutrient plays an essential role in cell development. Folate is especially important during pregnancy. People who don’t get enough folate from their diets may experience weakness and tiredness due to folate deficiency anemia.

Eating this tender veggie is an excellent way to help protect yourself against heart disease, as it not only contains lots of folate, but also vitamins E, A, and C. In addition to helping your heart, folate helps cells regenerate; vitamin E fights Type II diabetes; and vitamins A and C help prevent cancer and cataracts. Asparagus also contains potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and perhaps even cholesterol.

While fresh asparagus is delicious steamed or roasted, you can also use it as an ingredient in so many different recipes! Here are 10 recipes that you’ll love to make during asparagus season!

Triple Pea and Asparagus Salad with Feta Mint Salad via Food & Wine

Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus via Cafe Delights

Asparagus with Browned Butter, Asparagus and Prosciutto via Food & Wine

No Stir Brie Risotto with Lemon Butter Asparagus via Half Baked Harvest

Asparagus & Brie Quiche via Half Baked Harvest

Creamy Asparagus Ginger Soup via Martha Stewart

Crumbed Asparagus with Saffron Yogurt via Olive Magazine

Broiled Asparagus with Fried Egg and Gorgonzola via Serious Eats

Asparagus with Miso Tahini Dip via Martha Stewart

Charred Asparagus & Egg Salad via Saveur

I want to work my way through these recipes…they all sound delicious! Let me know if you make any of them and which is your favorite!