SEASON: Look for asparagus in the market from February to June, with April being the peak. CHOOSING: Fresh asparagus will be bright green with no signs of shriveling. The tender tips may have a purplish cast, but they should be firm and tight, never mushy.
What is the best season to buy asparagus?
You will find the best asparagus during spring. Asparagus season usually starts around late February and goes until June, but the peak months are in April and May. There are many different varieties of asparagus but the three most widely found are green, white and purple.
When can you buy fresh asparagus?
spring
And, although spring is the best season to find the freshest asparagus, this elegant-looking vegetable is now available year-round, mostly imported from Central and South America. Even though asparagus is a perennial and will, therefore, come back every year, harvesting asparagus is a laborious process.
When should I buy asparagus crowns?
Growing asparagus from crowns
Asparagus is usually planted as one-year-old, dormant plants called crowns. These are widely available in garden centres and from online suppliers in spring. They should be planted straight away, ideally in March.
Can you buy asparagus in December?
Asparagus is available year-round, but spring is the best season for this nutritious vegetable. Crops are harvested from late February to June, with April being the prime month and high season for asparagus.
Where does asparagus come from in March?
Southern states like Texas have their asparagus ready in late winter/early spring, and further north in places like Montana, Vermont, the Dakotas will see their asparagus emerge in mid to late spring.
Should asparagus be refrigerated?
Yes, asparagus should be refrigerated as soon as you get home from the store, whether you’re storing it in a bag or in a jar. Otherwise, the stalks might brown quickly and turn moldy.
How long will asparagus last in the refrigerator?
Asparagus tastes best when cooked the day you buy it. If that’s not in the cards, store them as you would store cut flowers: Trim the bottoms and stand the spears up in a glass or jar with about an inch of water. Cover with a plastic bag then refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
What’s the best way to buy asparagus?
How to Buy Asparagus
- Stalks should be plump and firm, and tips should be tightly closed.
- Color can be green, purple, or white, depending on the variety. Make sure the color is not faded.
- A good grocer will chill asparagus or store it standing upright in cold, fresh water.
Will asparagus spread on its own?
Yes, asparagus will spread as it grows. Asparagus roots can spread out up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) underground. Asparagus ferns (mature spears with foliage) can spread out 3 feet (90 centimeters) above ground. An older, more mature asparagus plant will send up more spears from its larger crown and energy reserves.
How many asparagus crowns do I need?
A single row of 10-12 plants will start to produce a decent crop after two years. You won’t be able to harvest your asparagus for the first two years after planting. But once it’s established, each asparagus crown can produce up to 25 spears per year and will continue cropping for 25 years!
How long do asparagus beds last?
The patience is well worth it, though, as asparagus beds can be productive for 15, 20, sometimes up to 30 years. Because asparagus stays productive for so long, it’s important to plant the best variety available for your area.
Are asparagus good for you?
It’s low in calories and a great source of nutrients, including fiber, folate and vitamins A, C and K. Additionally, eating asparagus has a number of potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, healthy pregnancy outcomes and lower blood pressure.
Is asparagus a winter crop?
Asparagus can be grown in most parts of the country but does especially well in cooler regions with longer, colder winters. These periods of dormancy allow asparagus stalks to grow more robustly in the spring than they do in warmer regions with milder winters.
What do you do with asparagus in the winter?
How to Winterize Asparagus Plants
- Cut back the stalks and foliage to ground level in fall, after the leaves begin to yellow and die back naturally.
- Stop watering the asparagus after you cut back the stems.
- Spread 2 inches of mulch over the bed after you cut back the old stalks.
What is the healthiest way to eat asparagus?
Try adding shredded, raw asparagus to pasta dishes and salads. Alternatively, enjoy the spears lightly steamed or sautéed in a frittata, or as a stand-alone side dish. Asparagus is a nutritious choice, regardless of whether it’s cooked or raw. Try eating a combination of the two for maximum health benefits.
What is a single asparagus called?
One piece of asparagus is a spear.
What country eats the most asparagus?
Global Asparagus Consumption
With nearly X thousand tons, China became the world’s leading asparagus consuming country, mixed up X% of global consumption.
Can eating too much asparagus be harmful?
“There are no life-threatening side effects of eating too much asparagus,” said Flores, “but there may be some uncomfortable side effects such as gas, and a noticeable smell to the urine.” It is also possible to have an asparagus allergy, in which case you should not eat it, she said.
How long does Bagged asparagus last?
How Long Does Asparagus Last? Fresh asparagus usually has a shelf life of three to five days in the refrigerator. However, if you refrigerate asparagus in a glass jar with a little bit of water, it can stay fresh for up to ten days.
How do you keep asparagus fresh for a week?
Stand the asparagus up in a glass or jar with about an inch or two of water, making sure all the ends are sitting in the water. A 2-cup measuring cup is a great container for storing asparagus. Loosely cover the asparagus with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.