ASPARAGUS
Asparagus should be fresh and firm with compact tips. Spears should be straight and round, and snap easily when bent. Contrary to popular belief, spears with larger diameters are just as tender as slender spears. Avoid asparagus with a wilted appearance or spreading tips.
Check for ripeness
(White) Choose fresh, firm spears with closed, compact tips; store refrigerated up to 10 days.
Check for ripeness
(Green) Choose fresh, firm spears with closed, compact tips; store refrigerated up to 10 days.
Storage
Refrigerate. To prolong shelf life, stand asparagus, butt-end down, in 1 inch of water.
Preparation
Asparagus must be cooked. Steam lightly and serve as a side dish. Add cooked and chilled asparagus spears to fresh vegetable or whole-meal salads.
Nutrition
Low calorie, saturated fat free, sodium free, cholesterol free, high in folate, good source of the antioxidant vitamin A, good source of the antioxidant vitamin C, and fat free
More exotic produce ideas:
Feijoas
Golden solo sunrise papaya
Kumquats
Lychee
Tamarillo
Mangos
Eggplant
Sugar snap peas
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Brussel sprouts
Cantaloupe
More from Phil Lempert:
(White) Choose fresh, firm spears with closed, compact tips; store refrigerated up to 10 days.
Check for ripeness
(Green) Choose fresh, firm spears with closed, compact tips; store refrigerated up to 10 days.
Storage
Refrigerate. To prolong shelf life, stand asparagus, butt-end down, in 1 inch of water.
Preparation
Asparagus must be cooked. Steam lightly and serve as a side dish. Add cooked and chilled asparagus spears to fresh vegetable or whole-meal salads.
Nutrition
Low calorie, saturated fat free, sodium free, cholesterol free, high in folate, good source of the antioxidant vitamin A, good source of the antioxidant vitamin C, and fat free
More exotic produce ideas:
Feijoas
Golden solo sunrise papaya
Kumquats
Lychee
Tamarillo
Mangos
Eggplant
Sugar snap peas
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Brussel sprouts
Cantaloupe
More from Phil Lempert:
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