Asparagus is one of the first things to look forward to in spring and the first crops are being picked right now from fields in Shropshire, ready to be served up on their own (lightly steamed) or with fresh new season lamb and new potatoes.  

The asparagus season is fairly short, lasting approximately two months in Britain, meaning we go mad for it when it finally hits the shops, says Ludlow Food Centre marketing manager Tom Hunt.  

It is not only the taste that has made these green spears so popular it is also the health benefits, he says.

“Asparagus is a real ‘super food’ containing a plethora of fantastic vitamins and minerals.  An 80g serving provides 60% of the recommended daily allowance of folic acid, which can help expectant mothers to stave off infection and boost iron absorption.  Asparagus is rich in vitamin A which has been associated with fighting cancer and also has a high concentration of soluble fibre, known to have a protective effect against degenerative heart diseases. 

“The one thing that everybody will love about asparagus is that it is low in calories.  The average spear has just 4 calories, almost no fat and is very low in cholesterol making it great it you want to lose weight and get beach-ready for summer.”

The other great thing about British asparagus is that is grown in the county by RT Lee & Son at Lodge Farm in Bridgnorth. RT Lee & Son asparagus is available from Ludlow Food Centre, Bromfield (www.ludlowfoodcentre.co.uk), The Green Cow Farm Shop, Bridgnorth (www.thegreencow.co.uk) and also at the Ludlow Spring Festival (www.thespringevent.co.uk)