Summer is here and that means many delicious fruits and vegetables are in season! Even though asparagus is technically a spring vegetable, we can often find it fresh all summer long. Better yet, it’s one of the most versatile vegetables and can accompany an array of delicious dishes from barbecued meals to Italian cuisine. But before you cook these tasty spears, you need to know how to pick the perfect bundle as well as how to store them to ensure they retain their fresh, delicious flavor. Follow along as we discover how to pick the best bundle and how to store asparagus!
Fresh asparagus should have an earthy and subtly sweet flavor but how can you tell when you’re selecting the spears at the grocery store? There are actually a few great indicators you can look for to make sure you pick the best asparagus spears! To begin, you’ll want to observe it’s color. The best asparagus will feature a bright green color and possibly even violet-tinged spears. Next, you’ll want to ensure the stems are firm and not limp. Finally, listen to the asparagus. While this tip sounds odd, it is an indicator of good flavor! Give the bunch a squeeze and if it squeaks you’ve found the best bundle!
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Now that you’re a pro at picking the perfect spears you need to know how to store asparagus. After all, there is nothing worse than finding soggy spears in your fridge. First, you’ll want to prep the asparagus. Keep the rubber band on do not wash the asparagus because this will speed up their decay. Next, using a cutting board and sharp knife slice off one inch from the end of the stems. Now that they’re prepped you’ll want to store them upright in a jar, glass, or container. Fill the jar with about one inch of cold water first and then place the stems in the jar so that they are standing upright. Essentially you’re storing the asparagus just like fresh flowers.
Finally, loosely cover the asparagus with a plastic bag. This will lock in moisture and keep your asparagus fresh and crisp! The key thing to note here is, the bag needs to be loosely stored on top, you don’t want to secure the bag with a rubber band. Next, place the jar in the fridge and be sure to change the water whenever it gets murky. If you store your asparagus properly they will last for at least four days! When you’re ready to cook check out these recipes to incorporate asparagus into your meals! You may also enjoy learning about how to properly store other fruits and vegetables.
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