Food Facts Friday: Asparagus

Asparagus is a great choice for people following a kidney-friendly diet because it is low in potassium and can be easily prepared a variety of ways. Like most vegetables, asparagus is nutrient rich and naturally low in calories, carbohydrates, and sodium. Consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables is essential for adequate intake of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Diets rich in these nutrients help maintain good health, prevent chronic disease, and promote long, healthy life. The United States Food and Drug Administration recommends 2 to 2.5 cups of vegetables daily for women and 2.5 to 3 cups daily for men.¹

May is National Asparagus Month

May is National Asparagus Month! Asparagus is a spring vegetable. However, it can be found fresh, frozen, or canned year-round in grocery stores. It is typically green in color, but can also be white or purple. Asparagus has an earthy, slightly bitter taste similar to broccoli. It is a great choice for people following a kidney diet because it is low in potassium and can be easily prepared in a variety of ways.

Serving Size

A typical serving is 1 cup or about 6 to 8 spears depending on the size. Some kidney patients struggling with high potassium levels may opt for a smaller serving size.

Nutrition Facts

One cup of raw asparagus contains about 20 calories, 2 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber.² For people following low potassium or low phosphorus diets, asparagus has about 200 milligrams of potassium and 52 milligrams of phosphorus per serving. Asparagus contains vitamin A, an antioxidant essential for vision and vitamin K, which is important for proper blood clotting. Asparagus also contains calcium, iron, zinc, folate, and some vitamin C.²

Choosing Asparagus

When buying fresh asparagus, choose spears that are vibrant and uniform in color and crisp in appearance. Avoid wilted spears and asparagus with soggy and soft appearing tips.³

Storing

Store asparagus in the refrigerator as it will keep longer if kept moist. You can keep asparagus moist by either wrapping the ends of the asparagus with a moist paper towel. Then place it in a plastic bag or container or place the ends in a cup of water and cover with a plastic bag.³ Asparagus can be stored for up to 3 days, but the sooner it is eaten, the fresher it will be!

Cooking

Wash asparagus well and ensure there is no visible dirt or sand before cooking. The bottom portion of the asparagus stalks are very tough, so they should be chopped or snapped off before cooking. Asparagus is simple to cook and is versatile. It can be consumed on it’s own as a side dish or mixed with other vegetables or pasta to make a salad.

Boiling: Cook uncovered in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.

Roasting: This is my personal favorite way to cook asparagus. You can roast plain or add a small amount of olive or vegetable oil and lemon juice. First, spread asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Second, bake at 400° F for 6 to15 minutes depending on the thickness of the spears and how crunchy or soft you wish to eat them.³

Broiling: First, spread spears in a single layer on a baking sheet and coat with a small amount of vegetable oil and lemon juice or pepper. Then, broil for about 6 to 8 minutes

DaVita.com Recipes

Soups and Stews:

• Cream of Chicken Wild Rice Asparagus Soup

Sides:

• Red Wine Vinaigrette Asparagus
• Potato, Asparagus, and Red Onion Salad

Main Dishes:

• Feta Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus
• Garlicky Penne Pasta with Asparagus
• Grilled Chicken, Asparagus and Corn

Resources

1. All About the Vegetable Group. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.choosemyplate.gov/vegetables. January 3, 2018. Accessed February 11, 2018.
2. Full Report (All Nutrients): 11011, Asparagus, raw. United States Department of Agriculture, National Nutrition Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/301717?fgcd=Vegetables+and+Vegetable+Products&manu=&lfacet=&format=Full&count=&max=25&offset=0&sort=default&order=asc&qlookup=&ds=&qt=&qp=&qa=&qn=&q=&ing=. Accessed April 26, 2018.
3. Asparagus. Half Your Plate. http://www.halfyourplate.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/food_info_sheets_eng_asparagus.pdf. Accessed April 26, 2018.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.