Thursday, May 24, 2018

Picking and Storing Asparagus


It’s the time of year where asparagus is popping up through the dirt in Indiana. It seems to grow before our eyes, starting itty bitty in the morning and pushing half a foot by evening.
Whether you have your own asparagus patch or you are purchasing it at the grocery or farmer’s market, you should look for 8-10 inch spears with nice tight heads.

Tight head

Starting to bloom

If you grow your own asparagus and the heads are starting to bloom, it’s still okay to eat it! But if you are buying it, the tight heads show that it is fresh, so get your money’s worth and purchase the fresh ones.
When you pick asparagus you want to cut it with a sharp knife at the base of the spear. Cut anything with a diameter thicker than a pencil. If it’s the same diameter as a pencil or smaller, it’s best to let it grow to give energy to the plant for next year.



You should store asparagus like you would a bouquet of flowers, freshly cut in a Mason jar or glass of water. Asparagus will last on the counter in water for a day or two, and in the fridge for a week.

Enjoy!