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.
Why are my asparagus spears so thick?
As the asparagus plant matures, less growth is dedicated to producing crude fiber and the spears thicken with soft, soluble fiber and other nutrients.
How do you grow thin asparagus?
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.
Can you eat thick asparagus?
People seem to have the mistaken impression that thick stalks of asparagus are going to be woody or texturally unpleasant, but in reality, when you prep and cook it correctly, thick asparagus is one of the best vegetables around.
Can asparagus get too big?
If you wait too long to harvest asparagus, the spears will become too tall and thick. This makes them tough and fibrous (stringy), and they will be difficult to eat. Asparagus spears get thick and tough if left to grow too long.
Why is my asparagus huge?
Each new asparagus spear grows from a bud that forms on the crown. There are never two spears that grow from the same bud, so as the asparagus plant ages (and as long as the underground crown is not damaged from harvesting, insects or diseases), the crown grows larger and larger as more buds are created.
Is asparagus better thick or thin?
The vegetable’s fiber is slightly more concentrated in thinner spears. Since thick and thin spears are both good bets, choose the size that best suits your cooking method. Thicker stalks are better for broiling and roasting because they will stand up to the intense dry heat that would quickly shrivel skinnier spears.
Should I thin out my asparagus?
Even with established plants, you shouldn’t harvest asparagus for more than eight weeks. Your plants will tell you when it’s time to stop by producing thin asparagus stalks no thicker than a pencil. Younger plants can usually tolerate a harvest of about half this time.
What fertilizer is best for asparagus?
Asparagus can be fertilized in early spring before the spears emerge. An application of 1 to 1.5 pounds of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, per 100 square feet should be adequate. Asparagus can also be fertilized after the last harvest in June. Using a nitrogen fertilizer, apply .
When should asparagus be cut back?
fall
Ideally, asparagus should be cut back in the fall but it is important that you wait until all of the foliage has died back and turned brown or yellow. This will normally happen after the first frost, but it can happen without frost in areas that do not receive frost.
How do you tell 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 is the healthiest way to eat asparagus?
Try adding shredded, raw asparagus to pasta dishes and salads. Alternatively, enjoy the spears lightly steamed or sautéed in a frittata, or as a stand-alone side dish. Asparagus is a nutritious choice, regardless of whether it’s cooked or raw. Try eating a combination of the two for maximum health benefits.
Should you peel asparagus?
Be wary of any recipe that instructs you to peel asparagus before cooking it. Not only is it labor-intensive, it’s really not necessary. Rick Martinez, BA’s digital associate food editor, explains that as long as you get rid of the bottom portion of the stalk, the rest is entirely edible.
What happens if you don’t Trim 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.
Does asparagus grow back after you cut it?
Yes, it does. Asparagus regrow after cutting. This is because perennial plants make a return year after year. The fact that a plant lasts 20 years is evidence that it does regrow after cutting.
Can you over harvest asparagus?
Cut or break the spears from the point closest to their attachment to the fibrous roots. Excessive disturbance of the area can result in damage to spears which have not yet broken ground. Once you know how to pick asparagus, you will delight in spring asparagus harvesting in future years.
Are coffee grounds good for asparagus?
* Coffee grounds alone would be too acidic, but if you’re mixing them in with other kitchen waste and especially yard waste like leaves, they’re fine. Asparagus prefers a soil pH between 6.5 and 7, which is mildly acidic. Coffee grounds can run 5 or less on the pH scale by themselves.
How many times can you harvest asparagus?
Early in the season, you might harvest 7- to 9-inch spears every two to four days. As air temperatures increase, harvesting frequencies will increase to once or twice per day. You can have up to 24 harvests per season, after which you can allow crowns to fern and grow out.
Do you need to refrigerate fresh asparagus?
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.
Does asparagus need a lot of water?
Asparagus needs regular watering, especially while young; give it 1 to 2 inches of water per week during its first two growing seasons; give older plants about 1 inch per week.
How do you rejuvenate an asparagus bed?
Use an organic fertilizer in the early spring, before spears begin to emerge, to give plants a boost. Apply nitrogen after harvesting is finished to encourage foliage growth. You can also fill in the gaps between old plants with some young, fresh roots. You will end up with a nice, solid bed in a few years.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.