Pencil asparagus.
Why are some of my asparagus spears so thin?
Lack of Water
These plants are moderately drought tolerant and will survive without a lot of water, but dry conditions will cause them to grow more slowly and produce thinner, weaker stalks. During the first couple of growing seasons, plants should receive one to two inches of water per week.
Which asparagus is best thick or thin?
Ferretti says there is little taste difference between thin and thick asparagus spears, but the thinner vegetables can be tougher to chew. Ferretti also says asparagus is a nutritional bonanza, serving as a significant source of vitamins A and C. It also is high in folacin and potassium.
Why is some asparagus fat and some skinny?
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.
Is skinny asparagus good?
New York Times columnist and author Mark Bittman writes that he prefers the thin stalks of asparagus but acknowledges that any asparagus is as simple to prepare as it is delicious to eat. Contrary to what you might hear, the thinner stalks are more firm than thicker stalks when cooked.
What is the difference between male and female asparagus?
Asparagus Sex Determination
Asparagus is dioecious, which means there are both male and female plants. Female asparagus produces seeds that look like little red berries. Male plants produce thicker, larger spears than females. The flowers on male plants are also larger and longer than those on females.
How do you pick good asparagus?
Texture: Look for asparagus stalks that are firm to the touch, able to stand up straight, and with a smooth texture. Avoid stalks that appear limp or wilted. The tips of asparagus should be closed and compact, free from spreading or softness.
What’s the difference between asparagus spears and tips?
The tip of the asparagus is not a set of flower buds; consequently the thin little triangular leaves of asparagus are not bracts, but rather “scale leaves” that protect developing branch buds. The tip of a growing asparagus spear is the part of the stem that will become branchy (if it is not harvested).
Why are asparagus different sizes?
If it’s a very young crown, the spears will be thin. If the crown is older by a few years, you’ll get thicker spears. And here’s the thing: those fat spears are just as tender and tasty as the thin ones. (Trust me, I ate a lot of asparagus this spring.)
What are the different sizes of asparagus?
Small: 5/16 to less than 8/16 inch. Medium: 8/16 to less than 11/16 inch. Large: 11/16 to less than 14/16 inch. Very Large: 14/16 inch and up.
What is the best asparagus variety?
The best asparagus varieties to grow are: Conovers Colossal, Erasmus, Grande Hybrid, Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, Jersey Supreme, Mary Washington, Millenium, Purple Passion, & Spartacus. Some of these have purple spears, but most are green. Some are all-male varieties that produce lots of spears.
What can you not plant next to asparagus?
There are two main crops to avoid growing alongside asparagus:
- Alliums. Alliums like leeks, garlic, and onion sharing the soil with asparagus are said to stunt its growth.
- Potatoes. Asparagus, on the other hand, stunts the growth of potatoes when they share the same space.
Should you cut down female asparagus plants?
The female asparagus stalk will become fern-like and develop berries (but don’t eat them because they are toxic to humans). Over time these female plants should be removed.
How long can I keep asparagus in the fridge?
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.
Is purple asparagus better than green?
2. Texture: Purple asparagus has a less fibrous texture than green and white asparagus. 3. Nutritional value: Compared to purple asparagus, green asparagus has higher levels of potassium, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
How do you know when asparagus is ready to eat?
Signs asparagus is ready to pick
If the tip of the spear has started to open and produce foliage, otherwise known as going to seed, you’ve waited too long to pick it. It’s still technically edible, but it will be woody and tough. To harvest, cut the spear with a sharp knife of scissors right above the soil.
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 do you put asparagus in water before cooking?
Sometimes boiled vegetables lack flavor or come out soggy: but not here! You’ll boil the asparagus in just 1 inch of water until it’s crisp tender. This method makes the most of this bright green spring vegetable.
What are the grades of asparagus?
Grades of Asparagus for Processing
- Doubles;
- Spreading tips;
- Knife cuts;
- Broken butts;
- Hail;
- Freezing;
- Dirt;
- Disease;
What month do you pick asparagus?
Asparagus harvest starts at the end of April and usually lasts for three to four weeks depending on air temperatures.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
Gerardo’s friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. They always enjoy trying out his latest creations, and often give him feedback on how he can make them even better. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills.