For the Love of Leaves: Lemon Pepper Roasted Asparagus

In keeping with the theme of spring, I thought it only seemed appropriate to showcase the ultimate spring vegetable: asparagus. It seems to me that a lot of people are intimidated by asparagus and aren't sure what to do with it or how to prepare it. In reality, it's a very low-maintenance and versatile vegetable. Below, I've listed a recipe for Lemon Pepper Roasted Asparagus along with some other great recipes from my favorite blogs. Whether you've always loved asparagus and are looking for new ways to prepare it or have never even tasted a stalk, I encourage you to head out to the farmer's market or local store and pick some up. Now's the time to buy it. It's in season which means it'll taste better, it's less expensive, you can probably buy it locally and it will be better for you because the fresher it is, the more nutrients are still intact.

Asparagus has many nutrients to offer. It's loaded with fiber, folate, chromium and vitamins A, C, E and K. It's a great source of antioxidants and glutathione, which helps break down free radicals and detoxes the body. It also helps relieve the body of any excess salt. [source] Plus, it's one of the vegetables with the least amount of pesticides. And if all that hasn't convinced you to cook some up- it tastes great!

Lemon Pepper Roasted Asparagus

1 Pound of Asparagus
1 Lemon
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a pan with aluminum foil and spread the asparagus on top. Lightly drizzle some olive oil over the asparagus and toss to evenly coat the stalks. Spread them out once again so there is no overlap. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Sprinkle generously with fresh ground pepper. Thinly slice the lemon and lay the slices over the stalks. Place pan in the oven to cook for approximately 25 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

*You may also want to try this recipe on the grill. Either place stalks directly on the grill or wrapped in foil.*