Dipped in a low-fat dill sauce, tossed in a vinaigrette, or served hot with a spritz of lemon juice, asparagus is one of the delights of spring. When selecting asparagus, choose stalks that are neither too thick nor too thin, with tightly closed buds. Store in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or set upright in a pan of shallow water. Varieties include the familiar round shell peas, as well as sugar snap peas and snow peas, which are eaten with pod intact. Lemon, mint, shallots, and chives are among the seasonings that go well with peas.
Freshness is the key when buying peas.
Snow peas are typically dull green and a little limp. Store peas unshelled in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. Lima Beans You haven't really tasted lima beans unless you've had them fresh picked and stripped from their shells at the height of the summer season. From the small butter limas to the large Fordhooks, these beans are tender, young, and sweet. Boil them gently and season simply with a tiny bit of butter or margarine and salt and pepper.