May 24

National Asparagus Day

Asparagus is a superfood that deserves to be celebrated! Celebrate National Asparagus Day with delicious recipes, fun activities, and more!

Yearly Date

May 24

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Celebrate National Asparagus Day on May 24 and give a shout out to one of the oldest cultivated vegetables known to man! This nutritious vegetable has been around for over 2000 years, being grown in Greece and Egypt. Asparagus is full of antioxidants, vitamins A and K, fiber and minerals like iron - making it a great addition to any diet. So get ready for some delicious dishes featuring asparagus this May!

National Asparagus Day Timeline

2000 BC

Asparagus Cultivation Begins

Asparagus begins to be cultivated in Greece and Egypt around 2000 BC, marking its first known appearance.

1600s

Asparagus in Europe

Asparagus farming spreads to France and England in the 1600s, furthering its popularity.

1800s

Introduction to America

The Asparagus plant made its way to North America in the 1800s by European settlers.

1970s

Canned Asparagus Boom

Canned asparagus grows in popularity during the 1970s, making the vegetable accessible all year round.

2010

Asparagus Genome Decoded

Scientists decode the asparagus genome in 2010, enabling breeders to develop improved varieties.

2018

National Asparagus Day Established

National Asparagus Day is established in 2018 as a day to celebrate this superfood.

How to Celebrate National Asparagus Day

1 Grill some asparagus

Asparagus is delicious when cooked on the grill. Simply toss it in a bit of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until the spears are lightly charred.

2 Make an asparagus pizza

For a quick lunch or dinner idea, make an asparagus pizza. Top your favorite crust with mozzarella cheese, asparagus spears, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Bake until golden brown.

3 Try an asparagus salad

Salads don't have to be boring. Try this twist on a classic salad: combine fresh asparagus spears, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

4 Roast some asparagus

Roasted asparagus makes for an easy side dish. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss trimmed asparagus spears with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes.

5 Create an asparagus appetizer

Asparagus makes for a great party appetizer. Wrap each spear in prosciutto, top with goat cheese, sprinkle with lemon zest, and bake until the prosciutto is crisp and the cheese is melted.

Why We Love National Asparagus Day

Asparagus is full of nutrients

Asparagus is an incredibly nutritious vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It contains a significant amount of fiber, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, and many other essential nutrients that are important for good health. Plus, it's low in calories so you don't have to feel guilty about indulging in this vegetable!

Asparagus is easy to prepare

Cooking asparagus couldn't be simpler. All you need to do is rinse it off and cut off the tough ends (if necessary), then you can roast it in the oven or even steam it on the stovetop. Once it's cooked, you can enjoy it as a side dish or incorporate it into salads, soups and casseroles for added flavor!

Asparagus tastes great

Asparagus has a unique flavor that pairs nicely with almost any meal - from simple steamed dishes to more complex creations that include sauces and seasonings. Its mild taste also makes it versatile enough to use in both sweet and savory recipes. So no matter what type of cuisine you're looking for, chances are asparagus will fit right in!