Asparagus is low in calories, contains no fat or cholesterol, and is very low in sodium. It is an excellent source of folic acid, potassium, fiber and rutin. Often steamed in tall, narrow asparagus cooking pots which allow the shoots to be steamed gently, their tips staying out of the water. The bottom portion of asparagus will often contains sand, so thorough cleaning is recommended before cooking. Fresh asparagus may be kept for several days before use, stored in an airtight jar with a little water in the bottom and then stored in a fridge. Latin name Asparagus officinalis.