TASTE OF THE SEASONS

Our markets and fruit shops are brimming with any number of seasonal produce. Asparagus is the vegetable that most signifies the arrival of Spring.

Fresh Australian Asparagus is usually available from late August to December. However, growers delay cutting their plants allowing for some late season's harvests from January to March. Victoria has a longer growing season for Asparagus than most other production areas around the world. Asparagus whether White and Green can be still found stacked up in bundles or loose in boxes for us to select our needs.

The Australian Asparagus Council website www.asparagus.com.au outlines information on the types and preparation. You can then simply stir fry, steam or boil for a few minutes until just tender yet still crisp, bake brushed with olive or flavoured oils, blend into a puree for a dip or soup, thinly slice into salads or throw onto a barbecue to char grill.

Marry this amazing vegetable with the bounty of other fresh or ready prepared ingredients and you will have 'fast track' appetising food ideas for any menu.

The following recipes have been created either for different publications or packaging I have contributed to, or when just entertaining friends.

Enjoy!

Starter
Chilli Capsicum Asparagus^~
Asparagus with Thai Dressing^~
Asparagus Pea Risotto^*

Mains
Asparagus Lemon-Herb Pasta^~
Asparagus Pastries^~
Asparagus Fennel Frittata^*
Salmon Asparagus Niçoise^*

Recipes from the previous Taste of the Seasons are still available.

^*Created by Janet Lillie
^~Created for The Australian Asparagus Council

Tel: + 61 3 9696 1980
Mob: 0411 111 793
Fax: + 61 3 9696 0612
E-mail: jml@janetlillie.com.au

132 Park Street, South Melbourne
Victoria, Australia 3205

Trading as Janet Lillie
ABN 70559140305