Often asked: How To Cook Pencil Thin Asparagus?

Should I pick skinny 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.

How long do you steam thin asparagus?

Cut the asparagus to fit into your steamer basket. Cover and steam until the asparagus are bright green and tender, but still somewhat crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes for thick asparagus and 3 to 5 minutes for thin asparagus. Remove from the steamer and season with salt and pepper.

How do you clean thin asparagus?

How to Clean Asparagus. Rinse the spears under cool water to remove any grit. Snap off the bottom inch or so using your fingers; the stems will naturally break where the tough woody part ends and the tender stem begins. Dry the spears by rolling them between two kitchen towels.

Is it better to boil or steam asparagus?

Asparagus is usually steamed as whole stalks, but it can be steamed cut into bite-size pieces if you like. Whether you steam it whole or chopped, place asparagus in a steamer rack and set over boiling water. Cover and cook until asparagus is tender, 4 to 8 minutes depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks.

What part of asparagus is poisonous?

Like the rhubarb, the part of the asparagus plant that we love – the young stems – are perfectly safe to eat. But the asparagus hides a deceptive, nasty secret: Its fruit, which are bright red berries, are toxic to humans.

Are coffee grounds good for asparagus?

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. The grounds also add some nitrogen, which is a regular nutrition need of asparagus.

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.

What’s the benefits of eating asparagus?

The Health Benefits of Asparagus This giant veggie is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables — high in folic acid and a good source of potassium, fiber, thiamin, and vitamins A, B6, and C. A 5-ounce serving provides 60% of the RDA for folic acid and is low in calories.

What spice goes well with asparagus?

The Best Herbs for Seasoning Asparagus Chives. Snip fresh chives onto your sautéed asparagus spears just before serving. Lemon Balm. The fresh taste of lemon is fantastic when combined with asparagus. Dill. Tarragon. Tips for Harvesting Asparagus.

Should you wash asparagus before cooking?

Rinse asparagus under cold running water to remove any dirt or sand from the stalks and tips before beginning preparation. Do not wash until ready to use. Begin preparing the asparagus by simply trimming off the bottom ends of the stalks. Find the area where the green color begins to fade.

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.

Why is my asparagus chewy?

The most common mistake people make when prepping raw asparagus is doing it too far in advance. They’ll turn wilty and unpleasantly chewy if chopped or peeled ahead of time. Either prep them right before assembling and eating—or store them in cold water.

How do you steam asparagus on the stove?

In a large skillet over medium heat, add asparagus. Add enough water to just cover the bottom of the pan. Cover and let steam until asparagus is easily pierced with a knife, 3 to 5 minutes. Toss asparagus with butter and season with salt and pepper. 3 дня назад

How long should I Steam asparagus?

Bring the water to boil, lay the asparagus in the steamer, cover, and steam until crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer asparagus to a heated serving dish, drizzle with the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish with lemon and serve immediately.

How do you know when 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.