Asparagus is a highly versatile vegetable, mainly overlooked for its high portion of nutrients and health factors. Many people compare its taste with mushrooms, while some of them equate it with the taste of broccoli. On the other hand, some types of asparagus can taste like beans.
Asparagus is an excellent absorber of flavor and aroma. That is because it can take in the flavor of everything it’s cooked, grilled, or baked with. However, it’s important to remember that overcooked and overly roasted asparagus lose their natural taste and nutrient portions.
What is asparagus
Asparagus belongs to the Asparagaceae family, which have long, pointy spears used for multi-purposes. The spears are grilled, steamed, baked, sautéed, and roasted. This unique vegetable grows in the spring season, so it is more expensive than other vegetables.
The taste of asparagus depends on where it is grown. It grows in a mild and subtropical environment in soil that has less portion of acidity. The asparagus is originated from temperate regions of Eurasia, Central, and Southern Europe, while it is imported from China, Peru, and Germany.
Asparagus is one of the most balanced nutritional vegetables with a high portion of folic acid and potassium.
There are three main varieties of asparagus:
- White Asparagus:
This kind doesn’t vary in taste but can grow under different conditions. It’s mainly found in Europe.
- Green Asparagus:
Green asparagus is commonly found in the US. Green asparagus is the fastest growing which is why it has a higher production.
- Purple Asparagus:
Purple asparagus is mainly found in Italy and England. Its purple color fades away while cooking. It’s mostly used in salads.
How to store asparagus
If you want to experience the best taste of asparagus, you should eat it the same day you buy it. To store the asparagus, cut the bottom part of it, put the spears in a glass, and add a little water.
Afterward, cover it with a plastic bag and refrigerate it. Refrigerated asparagus can last up to 4 days. To maintain its freshness, change the water daily.
How to know if asparagus has gone bad
The shelf life of asparagus is very short. If the tips of the asparagus change their color to dark green, it indicates that the asparagus has started to rot.
Some other ways to check the rotten asparagus are if the spears look soft or if there’s an unpleasant odor. Another indication that green asparagus has gone bad is if the spears feel mushy, which means it’s not safe to use.
Dishes with Asparagus
You can use this versatile vegetable in many dishes like:
- Steamed asparagus: It’s one of the easiest recipes, steam the asparagus and put seasoning of your choice.
- You can serve asparagus combined with Ham for the breakfast menu.
- Bake asparagus and cheese together and sprinkle some oregano on top of it.
- Asparagus soup can be served as an appetizer.
- You can add asparagus to make pasta with mushrooms.
- You can roast asparagus with garlic and almond for brunch.
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