What part of the asparagus do you eat?

What part of the asparagus do you eat?

You can eat the whole spear except for the woody stem towards the bottom. Hold the asparagus spear on each end firmly.

How long should you steam asparagus?

Steamed Asparagus Place the asparagus in the steamer basket and cover. Cook on high heat, once steam forms cook until bright green and fork-tender, 2 to 4 minutes.

What else can you use an asparagus steamer for?

8 Uses for an Asparagus Steamer

• Here are 8 ways to put your asparagus steamer to good use:
• Steam asparagus. (We're not above stating the obvious.) ...
• Blanch vegetables. ...
• Boil eggs. ...
• Small batch canning. ...
• More: Not sure where to start? ...
• Dinner for one. ...
• And so much more.

How can you tell asparagus is bad?

It is the tips of asparagus they will begin to go bad first, which is also the most desirable part of the asparagus. The best way to tell if your asparagus is going bad is to look at the tips, they will begin to turn a very dark green (almost black) and when you touch them they will just mush between your fingers.

How long is asparagus good for in the fridge?

about 3 to 5 days

Why is my asparagus slimy?

Fresh asparagus has dark green tips and firm stalks. If the asparagus has turned abnormally soft or mushy, or black spots start developing all over the stalks, discard it right away. Discolored stems are also a sign that the asparagus is no longer safe to eat. Same thing if slimy residue sets it.

How do you prepare asparagus for freezing?

Blanch small spears 2 minutes, medium spears 3 minutes, and large spears 4 minutes. Add up to one pound of asparagus to the boiling water at a time. Be sure to have ample water in the pot so it returns rapidly to a boil, or you risk overcooking the asparagus, which also contributes to post-freeze mushiness.

What's the best way to freeze fresh asparagus?

The simplest way is to place the blanched, chilled and drained asparagus spears or pieces in freezer bags or containers, label with the date and freeze. If you want the asparagus spears or pieces to remain loose and not stick together (so that you can take out just what you need), flash freeze them first.

Should I thaw frozen asparagus?

Spread frozen asparagus in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Do not thaw first!

How do you thaw frozen asparagus?

Microwave at 100% power for 4 to 7 minutes for spears, 3 to 5 minutes for cuts and tips. Stir or turn halfway through cooking time. Frozen Asparagus: Microwave in a covered microwavable baking dish with 2 tablespoons of water.

Can you vacuum seal asparagus without blanching?

Blanching isn't required when vacuum sealing asparagus, but if you prefer to blanch all of your vegetables, you can follow the kale blanching instructions. ... This will help in the vacuum sealing process so you get a good seal. Now it is time to fill your food vacuum bags.

How do you keep asparagus fresh for a week?

Stand the asparagus up in a glass or jar with about an inch or two of water, making sure all the ends are sitting in the water. We've found that a 2-cup measuring cup is a great container. Loosely cover the asparagus with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Do you have to blanch asparagus before cooking?

Blanching seasons the spears and also gives them a kick-start in the cooking process. "Whenever you grill, sear, or roast, you're using a really high temperature. Without blanching, you'd char the outside but the inside would still be raw." To blanch, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and salt the hell out of it.

How do you trim asparagus spears?

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 can you cut asparagus?

six to eight weeks

What is the best time to plant asparagus?

spring