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!