Asparagus

Asparagus!

Thick or thin? What do you look for? Working on the East coast I kept looking for the thin variety found in the spring farmers markets of Southern California. Thicker stalks of Asparagus ruled the market and my cooking adjusted. Asparagus is classified in the Lily family, cousin to the Allium as in garlic and onions. You'd think with every state being able to grow Asparagus it would be native to the US. Not so. Asparagus is an import, native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, 

When shopping at a Farmers Market produce is most often harvested the day prior to market. So you don't have to cull through the offering. What you are  looking for

are stalks of asparagus that are firm and tips hydrated. Damage to the tips or oxidation is not a good sign. The color should be consistent with no sign of pigment change due to temperature change.

Asparagus is best enjoyed immediately after purchasing.
Below are three methods to obtain freshness

1. Asparagus may be stored for longer periods of time simply by placing bundled stalks upright in a bowl or dish with and inch of water (or just enough to keep the stalks moist).
2. Is to wrap the cut ends of Asparagus in a moist paper towel. To trim the fresh asparagus about cut about a 1/4 inch at the stem and wash in warm water several times. Pat dry and place in moisture-proof wrapping like plastic wrap. Cover Refrigerate and use within 2 or 3 days for best quality.
3. To maintain freshness, wrap a moist paper towel around the stem ends, or stand upright in two inches of cold water. 

Bottom line to keep asparagus fresh, keep it clean, cold and covered.

Two of my favorite ways to cook asparagus for taste and time in the microwave, 

Steamed Asparagus - Crisp

Prep Time:

5 min

Inactive Prep Time:

--

Cook Time:

4 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, 1 to 1 1/2 inches cut off the bottom
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Pour or spritz the water onto 4 paper towels. Spread out the paper towels and lay the asparagus on top of the dampened towels. Sprinkle with the salt. Roll up the asparagus in the dampened towels. Lay the bundle, seam side down, in the microwave. Microwave on high until the asparagus is just crisp tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the microwave using tongs and carefully unwrap. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately.

Steamed Asparagus - Tender

Prep Time:

5 min

Inactive Prep Time:

--

Cook Time:

7 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, 1 to 1 1/2 inches cut off the bottom
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Place the asparagus in a microwave dish. Cover with water. Use the plastic wrap to secure. Microwave on high until the asparagus is tender, about 3 to 7 minutes. Color should be a bright green. Remove from the microwave using tongs and carefully unwrap. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately. 

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Plastic Wrap

Paper Towels

Salt Kosher