Everything you need to know about how to trim asparagus, along with asparagus storage tips, and how to choose the best, freshest bunch at the market.
Are you infatuated with the fanciness of asparagus but intimidated about cooking it at home? Don't be! It is literally one of the easiest, quickest, most versatile veggies you ever did see. Let me show you how choose it, trim it, store it, and of course—cook with it!
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How to choose asparagus at the store
Asparagus can be thick or thin, it just depends on the age of the actual root bed where it's growing. Either is usually fine for most recipes.
Look for asparagus spears with tightly closed tips that are firm and are dark green or purple in color. The spears should be firm, not limp or floppy.
How to trim asparagus with the bend and snap method
No, I'm not talking Elle Woods here, but I swear by the bend and snap method!
- Grasp the asparagus with both hands near the bottom of the stalk.
- Bend gently until it breaks.
- Discard the woody stem or save it to make vegetable stock.
This is my preferred method. It may seem like you're snapping too much off, but generally you're not. Trust the asparagus to break where it's supposed to.
If you break the first one and it seems like way too much, cut off some of the discarded stem end and taste it. Is it woody and chewy? Probably, so it's breaking in the right place.
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Trim it with a chef's knife
Some say that if you line up asparagus spears so that the top of the tips are all even, then you can cut several stems off at the same place and you'll be all good. I disagree.
Each asparagus spear is unique, they're not the same thickness and they're not the same height, so they're not all going to magically need to be trimmed in the exact same spot.
If you do prefer to use a knife, go ahead. But slice off a small piece of the end you are keeping and taste it to make sure it's tender and not woody. I really hate getting a mouthful of wood pulp.
How to store asparagus
Asparagus is a bit delicate, so it needs some tender loving care when you bring it home.
If you're using it within a day or two, keep it in the produce bag or transfer to a zip top bag. Leave it open, and wrap a damp paper towel around the stems.
To store for a longer period of time, place it in a tall container filled with about 2 inches of water, then cover the stalks loosely with a produce bag or zip top bag.
Do you have to peel it?
In most cases, no. If your asparagus stalks are especially woody and thick, maybe. This is kind of a chef-y thing to do, in all my asparagus eating days I have never, ever peeled it.
Favorite asparagus recipes
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I do love some asparagus on my plate! Try these recipes!
- An Asparagus Gruyere Quiche is a beautiful Easter recipe and also perfect for Mother's Day.
- Baked Asparagus with Parmesan has 3 ingredients and it's ready in 15 minutes!
- Oven Baked Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus can be an appetizer or a side dish!
- This Asparagus Tart uses store-bought puff pastry for a quick and easy shortcut.
- Lemon Asparagus Risotto with Parmesan is creamy, dreamy and easy to make on the stovetop.
- Lemon Asparagus Pasta is a tasty weeknight dinner with only 5 ingredients.
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