White asparagus, also known as “the green” or “spring” variety, has been popular since ancient times and is often used as a vegetable side dish.
The asparagus plant grows quickly and produces beautiful flowers which attract bees.
As such, it is known to have medicinal properties and is thought to help with digestion, blood circulation, and even skin health.
How Do You Cook White Asparagus?
You can grill them on a barbecue or pan-fry them in a skillet.
You can boil them in water for about five minutes before adding salt and pepper.
This method will make your asparagus crunchy but slightly bitter.
If you want to avoid this bitterness, try steaming them instead.
Steaming takes longer than boiling, so if you are looking for something quick, then boiling is probably better.
If you don’t like the flavor of raw garlic, just add some minced garlic when cooking your white asparagus.
The aroma from the garlic will complement the asparagus itself.
However, if you prefer your asparagus cooked until tender, keep reading!
Don’t overcook your asparagus either.
Overcooked asparagus loses its vibrant color and turns brown.
Plus, overcooking makes eating tough and causes some people to experience stomach cramps.
One tip I would give you if you are trying to eat more vegetables is to buy organic.
Organic produce tends to taste much sweeter than non-organic food, plus it doesn’t come with any pesticides or chemicals.
So, if you want to eat healthier, go for the organic option.
What Is The Best Way To Cook White Asparagus?
There isn’t much difference between cooking methods when it comes to white asparagus.
The key thing to remember is not to overcook them.
You want to make sure they get cooked but still maintain their freshness.
If you choose to grill your white asparagus on a hot surface, then you will need to give them time to rest after grilling.
If possible, place them on a wire rack over paper towels so they can cool down before serving.
Boiling method
You may already know this one but boiling works well for most vegetables.
Boil them for about five minutes per pound of weight.
- For example, if you had 10 pounds of white asparagus, boil them for 5 minutes.
- Then let them sit for 2-3 hours before eating.
Stovetop method
This technique uses a little bit more oil than boiling does.
In order to use less fat, you will need to slice your spears into smaller pieces.
A quick Google search will provide you with several options including using olive oil instead of butter.
- Preheat the oven at 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 C).
- Put the sliced asparagus in a baking pan or skillet.
- Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to the pan.
- Cook until tender and set aside.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on top before tossing with additional chopped herbs.
- Serve immediately!
Broiler method
In order to broil your white asparagus, first cut off any woody ends and peel away any damaged parts of the spear.
Then, wash all of the asparagus thoroughly and pat dry with paper towel.
Once your asparagus is completely dried out, put them in the broiler tray and turn the temperature up to 450 F / 230 C.
- Place the tray in the middle of the oven and bake for 4 minutes each side.
- Let them cool off slightly before transferring them to a plate.
- Season with salt and serve immediately.
What Are Some Good White Asparagus Recipes?
Asparagus is considered by many people to be one of the most delicious vegetables around.
But how should you prepare this tasty food? Here are some tips on what types of dishes work well with asparagus.
Roasted White Asparagus Salad Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together until smooth.
If desired, add more salt and pepper to taste.
Store dressing in refrigerator up to 1 week.
Easy Roast Chicken With White Asparagus
- 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 12 stalks)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Place chicken and asparagus in baking pan, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 10 minutes per pound.
- Remove from oven and serve with remaining cooking juices.
Chicken & Rice Dinner With Fresh Asparagus
- 1 package dry rice mix
- 2 cups water
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and chopped
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- salt and pepper to taste
- cooking spray
- In large pot over medium heat, sauté onions and carrots in butter until tender.
- Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add chicken broth and rice to pot and bring to boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add asparagus and return to boiling.
- Cover and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, coat a skillet with nonstick cooking spray and place over high heat.
- Cook chicken until browned about 4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer to plate and keep warm while preparing sauce.
- Pour stock mixture into pan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in asparagus and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately over cooked chicken.
How Do You Clean White Asparagus?
There are many ways to prepare white asparagus but the most common method is to boil them until they begin to soften.
The tips of the stalks will curl up when cooked properly.
You should remove any tough outer layers from the stalks before cooking and then gently peel off the tender inner layer using your fingers or a knife.
You can rinse this part away if you want to keep it pretty but we recommend just removing it because it adds unnecessary work to the process.
Once boiled, the stalks become soft enough to eat right out of the pot.
If you plan on freezing them, cut each stalk into thirds so that there is no wasted space inside the freezer bag.
When thawed, simply reheat the vegetables in boiling water until heated through.
If you don’t like to cook, you may find yourself eating raw asparagus all summer long! We’ve got lots of great ideas below about how to enjoy fresh asparagus without having to turn on the stovetop.
Here at HowStuffWorks, we love learning new things and keeping our readers informed.
So, let’s dive into the world of white asparagus cleaning and see what else we can learn along the way!
How Do You Store White Asparagus?
Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that doesn’t need refrigeration, but it still needs to be stored properly so that its freshness isn’t compromised.
To keep your white asparagus looking at its best, follow these tips on how to properly store them:
- Keep your asparagus in an open basket (or bag) covered by a damp towel to prevent drying out.
- Store your asparagus in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where it will stay fresher longer than if it were placed somewhere else.
- If you don’t use all of your asparagus right away, you should cut off the tops before storing.
- If left uneaten, they could spoil faster.
- Once cooked, asparagus keeps well in the fridge for up to five days.
How Long Does White Asparagus Last?
It depends on how you prepare it.
If the tips are cut off before cooking, they will stay fresh longer than if left whole.
You should try to use them within 3-4 days of picking — they are best eaten soon after picking because when they begin to wilt, their flavor deteriorates.
You may be able to find some white asparagus at your local grocery store, but it is likely more expensive than regular asparagus.
However, buying frozen asparagus from the freezer section instead could save you money if time is limited.
Just make sure to thaw out any asparagus first, so it isn’t going straight from the refrigerator straight into the pan!
What Does White Asparagus Taste Like?
Asparagus is one of the most widely eaten vegetables in Europe and North America.
The flavor varies depending on where you are in the world, but generally speaking, asparagus tastes like a cross between artichoke and broccoli (with some bitterness).
In addition to its unique flavor profile, asparagus has high levels of vitamins A, B6, C, E, folate, potassium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, calcium, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The texture of asparagus ranges from crunchy to tender to fibrous depending on how fresh it is and whether it was harvested at the right time.
When choosing your asparagus, look for bright green stalks with smooth, unblemished skins and avoid any that appear wilted or yellowed.
Is White Asparagus Healthy?
According to the Mayo Clinic, asparagus contains high amounts of vitamins A, C, E, folic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, vitamin B6, zinc, and dietary fiber.
Asparagus also provides antioxidants, including beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-tocopherol, and gamma-tocopherol.
This means that you should eat this vegetable regularly because it helps your body function well by providing nutrients and helping your immune system fight off disease.
However, there are some people who don’t like the flavor of white asparagus, so they may want to try other varieties instead.
Here are two types of asparagus you might find at your grocery store.
- Green asparagus: The most common type found in stores all over North America.
- Red asparagus: Also called “fern leaf” or “thorny spear,” red asparagus is less commonly available than its green counterpart but still widely eaten.
How do I prepare green asparagus?
If you love the flavor of raw asparagus, then you will probably enjoy green asparagus too.
However, if you prefer cooked food, then green asparagus won’t work very well for you.
You need to cook them before consuming them.
You can choose from three different methods when preparing green asparagus: steaming, sautéing, or boiling.
Steaming is the easiest way to cook these vegetables because it keeps their texture intact while cooking.
Sautéing is another option, although it takes more time.
Boiling is the least recommended method because it destroys many of the good qualities within the vegetable.
To boil green asparagus, fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
Add the asparagus into the pot and cover it with a lid.
Let the asparagus simmer until it turns bright green and becomes tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
Once boiled, remove the asparagus from the heat and allow it to cool down completely.
Once cooled, cut and serve.
What Are The Benefits Of Eating White Asparagus?
Asparagus contains many nutrients.
The main ones include vitamins A and C, folate (vitamin B9), iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and fiber.
Vitamins
- Vitamin A helps your eyesight by strengthening the cornea, providing protection against free radicals, and preventing cataracts from forming.
- Vitamin C aids in wound healing and strengthens bones and teeth.
- Folate promotes proper brain development.
- Iron prevents anemia and assists in energy production.
- Calcium builds strong bone structure while also helping maintain muscle tone.
- Potassium helps regulate fluid balance and electrolyte levels within our bodies.
- Magnesium maintains nerve function and promotes relaxation.
- Zinc supports the immune system and protects us against infections.
Minerals
- Phosphorus keeps bones healthy and provides energy.
- Sodium regulates water retention and blood pressure.
- Chloride maintains acidity in the body and controls swelling and inflammation.
- Potassium balances fluids and minerals inside and outside of cells.
- Nitrogen contributes to protein synthesis.
Antioxidants
- Lutein and zeaxanthin protect the retina from damage caused by UV rays.
- Anthocyanins reduce oxidative stress on tissues.
- Resveratrol is believed to prevent heart disease and cancer.
Other Benefits
- Garlic may lower cholesterol and slow the spread of tumors.
- Eating asparagus improves bowel movement and reduces constipation.
Where Can I Buy White Asparagus?
You can find fresh white asparagus at most grocery stores during springtime.
You should only purchase asparagus spears that appear bright green and firm without any sign of wilting.
If you don’t live near a store where they sell this type of asparagus, you may want to order some online.
Many websites offer fresh white asparagus year-round but prices tend to go up in winter months due to high demand.
How long does white asparagus last once bought?
Freshly picked white asparagus will keep for about one week if refrigerated properly.
Make sure not to wash them until just before cooking so they retain their natural moisture and color.
Can I freeze white asparagus?
Yes! Freshly cut asparagus can easily be frozen for future use.
Just place the spears into freezer bags, label them well, then pop them back into your fridge.
Once thawed, cook according to the instructions on the package.
They’ll taste like they were freshly cooked when you reheat them later!
Equipment
- Pan
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound white asparagus
Instructions
- Collect all of the ingredients.
- Add the salt, sugar, and butter to a pot or pan with a tight-fitting lid halfway filled with water.
- Bring to a low boil over high heat, covered.
- Clean the asparagus spears by snapping off the woody end where it bends naturally.
- Peel away the remaining tough outer layer of each spear with a vegetable peeler, beginning about 1 1/2 inches from the tip of each spear.
- Place the prepared asparagus in the pan, either lying down or standing up, in an asparagus basket that fits inside a tall asparagus or spaghetti cooker. Reduce the heat to medium and cover to keep the water at a simmer.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until a knife inserted into one of the stalks comes out smoothly.
- Remove from pan and set aside to drain. Serve immediately with ham, melted butter, boiled new potatoes, and, if desired, Hollandaise sauce.
Video
Nutrition
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