Asparagus is a fabulous vegetable that not only tastes delicious, and is really healthy, but it is also really great for your gut health! If you have ever wondered how to select asparagus, and how to store it once you get home (does it need to be standing? in water?), this post is for you! (If you are looking to learn more about asparagus harvesting and packing, you can check out that post here!)
(This post is an excerpt from The Produce Nerd’s Grocery Guide, with input provided by Eric Sorensen from FRESH TO THE CORE. You can learn more about the Grocery Guide, which covers this information for 55 different produce items, with input from 26 crop-specific companies HERE.)
What to look for when picking the best quality asparagus?
- Look for asparagus with intact, solid tops and a rich, green color – not slimy or containing discolored tops. Again, this is, generally, a spring season crop, so its season is reasonably short, as there is no way to store such a delicate crop, unless in a frozen IQF form.
- Preferably, look for asparagus that is displayed standing in crushed ice or (less preferably) in a tray standing in an inch of water. Asparagus, like celery, is very vascular and thus will dry-out very rapidly. Conversely, if the store displays asparagus properly (in ice or water), it will tend to absorb the moisture, thus retaining its stiffness and will not appear dehydrated or limp.
What is the best way to store asparagus at home?
- Having arrived home with your bundles of asparagus: with a serrated or other sharp knife, cut off the bottom 1” of your asparagus, then place the bundled product in a suitably-sized plastic or glass container, being sure the bottom 1” of the asparagus is immersed in water. This is a delicate product, so be sure to consume within 2, 3 or 4 days maximum.
Are there any common things that consumers should look for not mentioned above?
- Asparagus is generally (but not exclusively) a spring season item. They are available in pencil, small, medium, large and jumbo stem sizes. White asparagus comes in medium, large and jumbo stem sizes.
What is your favorite way to eat and prepare asparagus?
- I enjoy asparagus cut into 3” lengths, sautéed in lots of fresh diced garlic, virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste!!
If you enjoyed this post and would like to learn more about how to select and store some of the most common produce items, I recommend checking out my Grocery Guide!
You can also learn more at:
- How to Select & Store Apples
- How to Select, Store & Prepare Artichokes
- How to Select & Store Avocados