Anybody who has read Barbara Kingsolver’s novel “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” probably remembers that asparagus is the first vegetable of spring.

When those little shoots reach high for the sky, it’s a sure sign that strawberries and blueberries and cucumbers are just around the corner.

Not only is asparagus an early riser, but according to one of my favorite books, “Nature’s Pharmacy,” it is high in vitamins A and C as well as glutathione, which keeps eyes healthy by interfering with the formation of cataracts.

In addition, asparagus is high in potassium and folates, so if you’re thinking of getting pregnant or you’re newly pregnant, eat up!

Of course, all of these benefits are well and good if you love asparagus, which I do. But there are a significant number of people out there (my sister and mother included) who absolutely hate asparagus.

I don’t know how I could be related to them.

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