Seasonality
Spring
Quick Tips
How to cook PRODUCE
Asparagus can be roasted, sauteed, grilled, steam, or served raw when shaved. Just use caution, the texture of asparagus can be offputting when overcooked. I prefer to cook mine until just soft, but still has a bit of bite to the stalk.
How to buy PRODUCE
Depending on the size of asparagus you buy, it will differ in flavor and texture. The smaller spears are tender and milder, while the thicker stalks have a stronger flavor. It’s more important to look for stalks that look crisp and not dried out. Also, avoid stalks that have mushy tips.
How to store PRODUCE
I like to avoid using plastic if possible, which means I store asparagus on the counter, upright in a small bowl of water. Fresh asparagus will keep up to a week if stored this way. If you prefer the refrigerator, I recommend a tall glass jar that is not sealed.
Varieties
Jersey Giant
Martha Washington
Pacific Purple
About
I really like the crisp, earthy taste of roasted asparagus, an exciting spring vegetable. While I prefer the smaller, more tender stalk of asparagus, the thicker stalks are still perfectly edible. However, if you find the asparagus is especially woody, peel the outside before using. I typically grill or roast asparagus but also love the occasional raw, shaved asparagus salad.
Asparagus can be preserved by canning or by freezing. To freeze, simply cut into even pieces, blanch or steam for 2-3 minutes, pour into an ice bath, pat of excess moisture, and place in a freezable container. Canning takes a bit of special care, but there are good instructions on the Year of Plenty site!
In terms of varieties, asparagus comes in both green and purple, and the rare white, which has been grown underground. The dark leaves it void of the green color, which is how this happens. The flavor is more delicate and can be a beautiful presentation.
How to shave
All Vegetarian Asparagus Recipes
Asparagus and Eggs
Asparagus Frittata with Herbs and Mozzarella
Asparagus Omelette with Barley
Asparagus Polenta with Dill-Pistachios and Burrata
Asparagus Risotto
Asparagus Salad with Turmeric Tahini Dressing
Asparagus Stir-Fry with Sesame-Miso Sauce
Cheesy Millet Polenta with Roasted Asparagus
Chickpea Cakes with Shaved Asparagus and Yogurt
Cream Baked Eggs with Asparagus
Einkorn Risotto with Roasted Asparagus
Grilled Asparagus and Chili-Orange Quinoa Spring Rolls
Grilled Asparagus Orzo Pasta
Grilled Cheese Crepes with Shaved Asparagus
Pea Shoot and Asparagus Crostini with Hummus
Pesto Asparagus Egg Skillet
Pesto Millet, Asparagus, and Soft Boiled Eggs
Quinoa Egg Salad with Grilled Asparagus
Raw Asparagus Fennel Salad and Khorsan Wheat
Roasted Asparagus, Green Onion, and Blue Cheese Frittata
Roasted radish and asparagus salad
Shaved Asparagus and Goat Cheese Crostini
Shaved Asparagus and Noodles with Tahini Sauce
Shaved Asparagus Pizza with Gorgonzola
Spinach Asparagus Soup with Lemon Sunflower Cream
Spring Asparagus Flatbread
Spring Pasta with Shaved Asparagus
Spring Sorghum Salad with Radish and Roasted Asparagus
Three Grain Pilaf with Roasted Asparagus