How to Choose Asparagus

Asparagus is widely grown in Europe and Asia. It is a tasty vegetable and is in great demand all over the world. This vegetable is available in frozen, canned and fresh form. However, like most vegetables, asparagus is best when bought fresh from the market or picked up freshly from your garden. The peak season for asparagus is April through May in the western states, and May through July in the rest of the Unites States.

Asparagus deteriorates rapidly, so it is advisable to buy asparagus, where it is refrigerated or displayed on trays with the stalks standing in water. Look out for the trays that are shaded from the sun, in outdoor markets. Choose straight, green and rounded stalks. The best quality spears are firm yet tender, with deep green or purplish tips that are closed and compact. Remember that partially open or wilted tips are the most obvious signs of aging. Select firm asparagus that does not have a strong odor. The stalks should stand straight, be green for most of their length, and have a nicely rounded cross-section.

Try to avoid flat or twisted stalk, or asparagus with woody stalks. For best cooking results, it is advisable to buy asparagus spears of similar size. This eases uniform cooking. No two individuals have similar tastes. Some people prefer more slender asparagus, and some like thick stalks. However, when it comes to choosing best of asparagus, Stalk that measure at least ½” in diameter at the base are ideal. Asparagus loses half of its total weight once trimmed and cooked. For a main dish, buy at least a pound of asparagus for two people.