But white asparagus does taste a bit different. The flavor is milder and more delicate, with a slightly bitter taste, when compared to green asparagus.
Is white asparagus better?
Is There a Difference in Flavor? White asparagus has a more delicate flavor than green. While green asparagus is a bit grassy, white asparagus is sweeter and has just a hint of bitterness. This delicate flavor is perhaps why it’s so prized in Europe.
What is better white or green asparagus?
If you’re interested in nutrition then consider green asparagus as it is rich in vitamins B and C, calcium, potassium, beta-carotene, and folic acid. White asparagus contains antioxidants but it isn’t as healthy as its green alternative.
What is so special about white asparagus?
What Makes White Asparagus White? Unlike their green counterparts, white asparagus are pale from end to tip because they are grown underground. Farmers cover the stalks in soil to hide them from sunlight and prevent them from producing chlorophyll, which is what causes stalks to turn green.
Is white asparagus bitter?
White asparagus differs to green in that it is sweeter but also has a slight bitterness that is mellowed through cooking. Its flavour is subtle and delicate which is best drawn out by gentle cooking methods such as steaming and low simmering.
Who eats white asparagus?
A German Delicacy
In Germany, white asparagus (weißer spargel) is celebrated (literally) with festivals from April to June.
Why is white asparagus so expensive?
Why is white asparagus so expensive? Because growing white asparagus underground is much more labor intensive, that’s reflected in the price. Each stalk must be unearthed and cut by hand, a painstaking job. White asparagus can be as a much as $2 more a bunch than green.
Should you peel white asparagus?
White asparagus has a thick outer skin that, unlike green asparagus, must be peeled before using as it is too stringy to eat. The base should also be removed as it is too woody to chew.
Is white asparagus more expensive than green?
Between its tenderness and laborious growing practices, white asparagus is even more prized (and more expensive) than the first stalks of the green stuff at the market—and you probably won’t find white asparagus at American farmers markets, or American-grown asparagus in grocery stores.
Why do Germans love white asparagus?
Many Germans prefer the white variety because it is thought to be more tender and less bitter. The stalks are generally thicker and longer than the green version, which has a tougher skin that makes it unpalatable. Thankfully, many German supermarkets have machines on site that do all the peeling for you.
Do you refrigerate white asparagus?
STORE. Refrigerate asparagus by wrapping ends of stalks in a wet paper towel and placing in a plastic bag. Store for up to 4 days.
What is the best tasting asparagus?
Purple Passion Asparagus
A high sugar content makes this variety sweet in taste. As you might expect, the Purple Passion variety is purple in color, and it becomes lighter as you cook it. For this reason, it is much more tender and sweeter in taste, thanks to the higher sugar content.
Can white asparagus be eaten raw?
Asparagus may be eaten raw or cooked. When enjoyed raw, slice it thinly to make the otherwise tough stalks easier to chew.
How do you take the bitterness out of white asparagus?
It may sound counterintuitive but if you add lemon juice to the dressing it helps reduce that taste that some people describe as bitter. We often see asparagus in soups, pasta, frittatas, and many more dishes.
How do Germans eat white asparagus?
Across Germany, white asparagus is mostly – and arguably best – served plainly, cooked in a light stock and plated up with melted butter, boiled potatoes or savoury pancakes and a couple of slices of cooked or cured ham.
When should you not eat asparagus?
By the time the tips turn black, you’ll notice they’re completely mushy and probably smell a little funky, too. If your asparagus is slimy or sticky, feels mushy and soft, smells foul or has visible signs of mold, it’s time to toss it.
Does white asparagus cause gas?
Vegetables
Certain vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, and cauliflower are known to cause excess gas. Like beans, these vegetables also contain the complex sugar, raffinose.
What part of asparagus should you not eat?
You can eat the whole spear except for the woody stem towards the bottom. Hold the asparagus spear on each end firmly. Gently bend the asparagus so that it bows out away from you. Keep bending until the asparagus snaps.
Does white asparagus cook the same as green?
Both white and purple asparagus can be prepared and served in the same ways that green asparagus is—roasted, baked, sauteed, shaved in salads and more. However, the spears of white asparagus are thicker and a little bit more fibrous than green asparagus, so the bottom two-thirds should be peeled.
How much do you peel a white asparagus?
Preparation: White asparagus is tougher and more fibrous than green or purple asparagus, so you have to remove the bottom two-thirds of the spear with a vegetable peeler before you cook it.
Where is white asparagus popular?
Germany
The pale spears are harvested when the tops barely protrude from the earth. White asparagus is most popular in Germany and Switzerland, where it is known as Spargel, and is considered a delicacy.