Recently, I chatted about this cool javelin-shaped veggie that is currently making it's debut at local farmers’ markets and grocery stores. The name for asparagus (a member of the lily family), comes from the Greek word meaning “shoot” or “sprout.” Now widely cultivated throughout the world, this regal vegetable is believed to have originated 2,000 years ago in the eastern Mediterranean region, where it was prized for its unique texture and alleged medicinal and aphrodisiacal qualities. (Aphrodisiac? Hmmm...maybe that's why my parents were always trying to grow it?!?) Besides these supposed aphrodisiacal qualities, this lovely spring veggie has lots to nutritionally share with us: 1. It’s loaded with nutrients: Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium...a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. 2. This herbaceous plant—along with avoc