For many people, the easiest way to eliminate these woody stems is to break them off by bending them until they snap in two. The conventional wisdom is that this natural snap-off point is where the unpalatable toughness ends, and the tender asparagus begins.
How do you bend asparagus?
A lot of sources will tell you that asparagus has a built-in natural breaking point: Hold a spear up horizontally, and break off the end where you see it start to droop—or, even simpler, bend it yourself in your hands, and it’ll break precisely where you need it to. So you bend, and snap!
Is Bendy asparagus still good?
If there’s any fuzzy action on the spears, or there are black spots here and there, that asparagus is no good. It’s soft or mushy. The tips usually darken and go limp first, then the stalks go wrinkly. It’s a spectrum, of course – you can use somewhat softish spears, but if slimy residue sets it, they need to go.
Why you shouldn’t Snap the ends of asparagus?
THE BOTTOM LINE: You’ll throw away more asparagus if you snap off the ends, and the spears won’t look as long and elegant. For many reasons, we think trimming and peeling is worth the effort. SNAPPED: Snapping the natural breaking point means losing half the weight of almost every spear.
Why do you cut asparagus at an angle?
This exposes more of the tender inside of the asparagus while making it easier to grab with a fork. The cut is also useful when sautéing, because the large flat area browns beautifully when it comes in contact with a hot pan.
Is thin or thick asparagus better?
— Thinness may be a top quality for supermodels, but a vegetable expert in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences says when it comes to asparagus, thicker is better.
How do you make asparagus not chewy?
Place trimmed asparagus onto the baking sheet and toss with olive oil, and then lightly season with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Spread into a single layer. Bake until the tips begin to brown and the stalks are tender, 15 to 25 minutes depending on the thickness of your asparagus.
Should I store asparagus in the fridge?
If you are planning to use it right away, the best way to keep asparagus fresh is by wrapping the bunch with a few sheets of damp paper towel and placing it in a breathable plastic bag. Store it in the vegetable or crisper drawer of your fridge as soon as you come back from the grocery store.
How do you know if asparagus is done?
These are the telltale signs that roasted asparagus is done:
- bright green coloring.
- light browning or char on the tips.
- stalks are crisp-tender.
How long will asparagus Keep in refrigerator?
Asparagus tastes best when cooked the day you buy it. If that’s not in the cards, store them as you would store cut flowers: Trim the bottoms and stand the spears up in a glass or jar with about an inch of water. Cover with a plastic bag then refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
What part of asparagus is poisonous?
berries
Like the rhubarb, the part of the asparagus plant that we love – the young stems – are perfectly safe to eat. But the asparagus hides a deceptive, nasty secret: Its fruit, which are bright red berries, are toxic to humans.
What part of asparagus should you not eat?
You can eat the whole spear except for the woody stem towards the bottom.
Why should you overcook asparagus?
Asparagus can be cooked using several methods. Whatever method is used, it is important to not overcook the asparagus. Overcooking will deplete the flavor and the texture of the asparagus will become mushy. Cook it only to a crisp-tender.
How should you cut asparagus?
How to Trim Asparagus. The best way to trim asparagus is also the most obvious way: with a chef’s knife and cutting board. Line up all of the spears in a row and slice off the ends all at once. You should cut right where the stalks turn from white into green.
How long do you cut asparagus?
Harvest the spears before the flower buds at the tips begin to open. Use a clean, sharp knife or garden scissors to cut the spears at ground level. Continue harvesting spears for six to eight weeks, but no later than July 1.
Should you cut skinny asparagus?
When asparagus spears are looking thin, there is no need to fret. As long as you are maintaining good growing conditions and harvesting practices, the problem should work itself out. The good news is, even if you do end up with a season or two of skinny spears, they are still perfectly edible and quite delicious!
Why are my asparagus spears so fat?
It’s not as cut and dried as that, though, because the same plant will produce a range of sizes. Asparagus grows from a mass of roots, and each mass sends up scores of spears. Those that come up closest to the center, where the plant stores its nutrients, are fatter. Those farther out on the fringe are thinner.
Should asparagus be crunchy or soft?
First, find out how to pick asparagus
“Always choose firm asparagus. As it ages, it wilts, and you want to make sure that the asparagus is firm and vibrant, whether it be green, purple, or white,” Olivieri says.
How do you not overcook asparagus?
Tips. Avoid overcrowding the asparagus spears on a too-small baking sheet, as they will just steam in the oven. For more browning, preheat the unlined baking sheet in the oven first until very hot.
Why do you soak asparagus?
Fine grit can lurk in asparagus tips. To get rid of it, fill a bowl with cold water and soak the asparagus for a few minutes, then rinse off. That should rid the stems of any unpleasant sandiness.
Can dogs eat asparagus?
Asparagus is a yummy vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s a very healthy food for humans, but is it also healthy for dogs? Asparagus is not toxic for dogs, so they can safely eat it.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.