Asparagus is a classic spring vegetable that generally marks the end of winter and the start of the spring harvest season in NC. Below are some tips for maximizing your Asparagus experience this year!

Storage:
Asparagus begins losing sweetness and flavor after it is harvested, so it is best to use asparagus as quickly as possible for best results. While you are storing it, we recommend treating it as you would freshly cut flowers. Cut off the very base of the asparagus, and either wrap the ends with wet paper towels, or store asparagus standing straight up with the base submerged in an inch of water. Store asparagus in the refrigerator, it will keep for 3-4 days.

Preparation:
Asparagus can range from very thin to quite thick. When prepping your asparagus, it's a good idea to cut the bases off of the thicker stalks of asparagus as they can be woody and difficult to chew. The woody bases usually have some color variation, making them easy to distinguish. If you have a range of thicknesses, it's also a good idea to separate your stalks by thickness. The thicker stalks will require longer cooking, so it's a good idea to start them before the thinner stalks, so that the thin stalks are not overcooked.

Cooking:
Asparagus can be cooked in a variety ways. Just a few minutes steaming, sauteeing, or boiling is sufficient. Perfectly cooked asparagus will be bright in color, easily cut with a knife, but not mushy. Roasting and broiling are also popular ways to serve asparagus. Asparagus has a wonderful, mild flavor that you want to be careful not to overpower. Drizzled with a little olive oil, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or sea salt, and/or a little freshly squeezed lemon juice are all great complements to a simple side of fresh asparagus.

Asparagus Season:
Don't forget to take advantage of asparagus season while you can. Asparagus has a very short harvest season, generally only lasting a few weeks.

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