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    Home » Cooking Tips

    How To Cook Asparagus

    Published May 19, 2017, modified Oct 11, 2019 by Nicole Shroff / This site uses cookies. See the privacy policy linked in my footer. This site generates income via ads/ 11 Comments /

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    how to cook asparagus pin

    The rather elegant asparagus in now in season (spring trough to the beginning of summer), so here we look at the varieties, how to buy, store, cook and eat it.

    bundles of fresh asparagus

    The rather elegant asparagus in now in season (spring trough to the beginning of summer).

    Asparagus is low in calories, rich in vitamins and minerals and high in fibre. It has a high water content and is known to also be a mild diuretic.

    Types of asparagus

    There are 3 types of asparagus:

    • green – grown in flat beds, this is the most commonly available variety. It has the strongest flavour and appears with either thin (more intense flavour) or thick (more tender) stalks.
    • purple – first cultivated in Italy, this type is known to have a slightly higher sugar content and be more tender than the green variety
    • white – grown under mounds of soil, preventing photosynthesis from taking place, thereby preventing the production of chlorophyll. These are more tender and have a milder flavour

    How to select asparagus

    At this time of year, all three varieties are available in farmers markets and shops. When buying, look for firm, straight stalks, as they should not look dried and woody. The buds on the tips should be closed, as once they start opening out, they are no longer fresh and will taste woody. Select uniformity in the thickness of the stalks to ensure even cooking.

    How to store it

    Ideally, asparagus should be consumed on the day of purchase for the best flavour, but they can be stored in the fridge: wrapped in damp kitchen paper and in a plastic bag.  Alternatively, they can be stored in a cool place, stalks down in a glass of water, and covered with a plastic bag. They should last 2-3 days.

    How to cook it

    Known to be tender and sweet, asparagus cooks very quickly. The Romans even coined the phrase ‘faster than cooking asparagus’. Shorter cooking times are better to preserve the nutrients. Ideally, cooked asparagus should have tender tips, and their stalks, a slight crunch. First, prepare by  washing and trimming the woody ends of the stalks. There are several ways to cook asparagus:

    • raw – tender stalks can be sliced with a mandolin for a salad
    • boiled – bring salted water to a boil, add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes
    • steamed – the most common method in Italy, where a special covered pan is used to keep the asparagus upright in a small amount of water so the stalks boil at a higher temperature and the tips (being more tender) are steamed.
    • grill, roasted or BBQ – this is more suitable for thicker stalks as they won’t dry out as easily. Brush the asparagus with olive oil before cooking. This will keep them moist and help to caramelise them

    spears of asparagus grilled

    What does it go well with?

    Asparagus goes very well with eggs, cheese, creamy sauces, fish and meats.

    It is perfect as a side dish:

    • with hollandaise sauce
    • melted butter, salt and pepper
    • sliced finely in a salad
    • with grated cheese e.g. parmesan/pecorino
    • wrapped in cold sliced meats

    As a main course:

    • with eggs – e.g. poached, in a frittata
    • in a risotto
    • with pasta
    • in a quiche
    • baked with cheese

     

    More Cooking tips

    • Canning Sauces
    • Storing Meats
    • Safe Cooking Temperatures
    • Benefits of Eating Seasonally

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. geekswhoeat

      May 29, 2017 at 7:20 pm

      We love asparagus! These are great tips!!

      Reply
    2. eileenbakingsense

      May 27, 2017 at 2:17 pm

      What a great post for this time of year when asparagus is in season (here in the Northeast US). My favorite way to cook asparagus is either roasting or grilling.

      Reply
    3. Derek @ Dad With A Pan

      May 26, 2017 at 3:09 pm

      Asparagus goes great on the grill! A little olive oil, freshly ground salt and pepper and you’ve got your self an amazing side dish!

      Reply
    4. NicoleShillings

      May 25, 2017 at 4:19 pm

      This is a great tutorial. I hated asparagus when I was growing up. When I was 17 I had a friend who taught me how to make it properly and I was hooked! I didn’t realize my mom was over cooking it!

      Reply
    5. Gloria Duggan

      May 24, 2017 at 9:12 pm

      We ALL love asparagus here. I love it roasted, but my first choice is grilled. So many great ways to enjoy this delicious gem.

      Reply
    6. Alicia Taylor at Taylorlife.com

      May 23, 2017 at 4:03 am

      I love asparagus. One of my favorite recipes is an oven roasted asparagus risotto. Thanks for these tips. It’s a pretty finicky veggie.

      Reply
    7. Natalie

      May 21, 2017 at 11:58 am

      Thank you so much for sharing all this info. I love the tips about storing and preparing asparagus. Very useful. Sharing this for sure!

      Reply
    8. Helen | Fuss Free Flavours

      May 21, 2017 at 11:22 am

      My favourite asparagus is the purple variety, and I just like it lightly steamed. Perfect with a fish dish and a light sauce. Something rather delicious about this interesting vegetable, and I find it is a good addition to many a meal. Makes delicious soup.

      Reply
    9. kellie anderson

      May 21, 2017 at 9:11 am

      I adore asparagus and when in season I tend to stalk the local markets looking for the knobbly stubby but delectable purple variety. My favourite way to enjoy it is steamed and dipped in best butter. A proper treat! And if being fancy, with homemade hollandaise. Again, butter!

      Reply
    10. Bintu (@recipespantry)

      May 21, 2017 at 8:14 am

      It’s always great to get back to basics and check how we cook food. Very informative thank you

      Reply
    11. Luci's Morsels

      May 21, 2017 at 4:49 am

      Thanks for these tips! I think cooking asparagus can be a challenge for many. I am saving this post for sure! Thank you! Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.

      Reply

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