u003cbr/u003eIt is a matter of personal preference. The thicker asparagus that I recommend you use for this recipe will have a woody base. Some people suggest that you break the bottom off at its natural breaking point.  u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis practice, while effective, causes a LOT of waste. For the sake of my grocery budget, I like to cut off the bottom inch and then peel the bottom half as necessary.