It's Spring - Look for Asparagus Asparagus is truly a sign of spring. Whether you look for it shooting up in your garden or its appearance at the market, asparagus stands alone in its unique and simple gourmet qualities. Nibble on raw tender new shoots for full flavor and nutritional value. Choose pencil thin or fat stalks, both are good, the choice is yours depending on your recipe. Thin stalks are good for salads or to enjoy with a dip.
Fat stalks are often more tender, perfect for a main course vegetable.
Look for brittle-crisp stalks with tightly closed tips. Do not buy shriveled or damaged stalks. We usually see green asparagus, but white and purple are also available. Wrap asparagus in a damp cloth and store in the hydrator drawer of the refrigerator. Use as soon as possible to enjoy the full flavor because asparagus sugars rapidly turn to starch, reducing flavor.