What's not to love about asparagus? These splendid little spears taste delicious when roasted or raw, steamed or sautéed, and (particularly) when served atop pizza or stirred into pasta. But before you start cooking with asparagus, it's important to know exactly how to select the freshest possible asparagus at the grocery store. Here's something important that you'll need to know:
- How to Choose AsparagusSize isn't an indicator of quality or flavor; thick asparagus is just more mature than the thin variety. Instead, look for bright green or violet-tinged spears with firm (not limp) stems. Make sure the tips are closed and compact. When the bunch is squeezed, it should squeak. Also, be sure to avoid stalks that appear woody.
- Thick vs. Thin Asparagus SpearsThin spears, thick spears―both can be sweet and tender, as long as they're fresh. The diameter of an asparagus spear indicates when it was harvested. Thick spears are generally harvested at the beginning of the season―the stalks get thinner as the season wears on. Texture is related to how fast the spears grow. The longer they grow, the more fibrous they become. Peeling can take care of that, however.
NOW you can select the freshest possible asparagus at the grocery store! Remember... Choose better, Choose
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