Asparagus is one the most favorite vegetables of the spring season. It is also known as sparrow grass, and you can find it easily during summer and spring, and it is not only the vegetable which tastes good but also has a lot of nutritional value and qualities. The asparagus is one of the vegetables which are known to be best for weight loss and other healthy recipes. You can easily have asparagus during the spring season, and you can also have it stored for the rest of the year. One must know the important qualities of asparagus before knowing its uses and the recipes to cook asparagus. Most of the people wonder “what does asparagus taste like”? You are going to find the answer to this question in this article.
What is Asparagus?
It belongs to lily family and a spring vegetable, which is used in many recipes. It is a healthy alternative to many other foods, and it can be used if you are trying to lose weight. You can also use it if you are trying to control excessive sugar levels or blood pressure. Asparagus provides you with a fresh alternative to other vegetables like leeks or broccoli with high nutritional value and nutrients. You can trust on asparagus if you want to get the best result in a shorter time.
What does Asparagus look like?
It is a vegetable which is found in spear shape, and you will find branches like structure with small head towards roots which narrows down to the tip. It mostly has a compact head, and it is found in green color and is pencil-sized. Most of the people find asparagus in green color, but it can also be found in other colors like purple or white. You can purchase these asparagus varieties from the market. However, white and purple are not in demand, and that’s why these varieties are hard to find.
What does Asparagus taste like?
Asparagus has a flavor as a bright and clean with traces of earthy taste. You will feel that the asparagus’ flavor is mild when it is fresh but it can get bitter or even sour if it has gone bad. The flavor also feels different when the asparagus is not cooked properly, or it is overcooked. You can cook asparagus with spices and other flavors of garlic and lemon. Asparagus cooked with different spices and recipes will give you different and better taste. Other flavors that taste excellent with asparagus include vinegar. You can enjoy the taste you prefer.
How is Asparagus prepared?
There are many ways through which asparagus can be prepared. Some of them include sautéed, boiled or even stir-fried. However, before moving towards the original recipe asparagus should be cut and peeled properly. You are recommended to cut the ends (about one inch from each end) of asparagus and remove them with the help of a knife. Now you can use the remaining stem for any kind of recipes. Then either boil it in water or just sauté it in oil with a little salt and pepper and you have your own asparagus ready to eat.
Food That Goes Well With Asparagus
Asparagus is one of those vegetables which can go with any food, and you still enjoy the combination. You can add it in asparagus omelet, pasta, salads, chicken, fish, prawns (or any seafood for that matter) and you can still have a delicious dish waiting for you. You can use it as a main course dish or just a side dish, and it will be the best dish in any form. Olive oil and butter are found best to enhance the taste of asparagus. You just have to remember not to overcook the asparagus, and you can have the amazing taste.
How to cook Asparagus?
There are a number of asparagus recipes through which asparagus can be prepared like pickled asparagus or asparagus omelet, and you will have a unique and mouth-watering taste in every way. Some of the best ways to make asparagus dishes are given below.
1. Griddled
This is the simplest one amongst all as you just have to griddle the asparagus in some olive oil, do not let it burn and serve it right away. You can also use some Parmesan cheese and lemon to add some extra taste. You can serve it on the side of the barbecue.
2. Raw
Have it in a salad, and you will not be disappointed. You can also use some radish along with feta cheese to add taste. However, asparagus used in a salad is one of the best recipes to be found, and its high nutritional content also makes it equal to a supper.
3. Blanched
Either you can tie the stems of asparagus together or throw it in boil water, or you can boil it the way you want. Take the boiled asparagus out and run it under cold water or serve it immediately, you will have the best tasting dish.
4. Roasted
According to some people roasting asparagus is the best method and the taste is best than the other mentioned recipes. You can easily roast asparagus by putting it in a pre-heated oven to 220 degree Celsius. You just have to lay a baking paper on the tray and put some olive oil and some salt and pepper. You can use other spices the way you like as some of the suggested spices include garlic, lemon. You can have roasted asparagus along with pasta.
5. Steamed
You should take a large pot and put some water in it. Then you just have to put asparagus stems in a basket which does not reach the water under it. Cover the pot and cook it for three minutes and your steamed asparagus is ready.
6. Stir-Fried
Sesame seed and a little soy can help make the best stir-fried asparagus. You just have to put asparagus in a wok and stir-fry for a minute. You will find asparagus in many Asian recipes and salads.
What are the benefits of Asparagus?
Asparagus has high nutritional contents, and you can use it as a source of vitamins A, C, and K. According to an estimate, one cup of asparagus contains 70% of vitamin K. People, who keep tons of nutritional supplements in their home, need to know that there are vegetables and fruits like asparagus which has these supplements in abundant value and all you have to do is increase its intake in your routine diet. Asparagus is also rich in folate and iron. Asparagus is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as it can be used as an antioxidant which helps you combat diseases like heart problems and diabetes. Fiber content is also higher in asparagus which cannot only help you solve the digestion problems but also help regulate sugar levels. However, you have to be careful while cooking asparagus because overcooking can damage the nutritional value of asparagus.
How do I store asparagus?
With its high nutrition value and reservoir of vitamins, asparagus is one of the favorite vegetables of many. You can only find it 4-5 months in a year in stores or farmer’s market. However, properly stored asparagus (even at home) can last for months. Moreover, if you have brought a large amount of asparagus and you want to keep it fresh, you need to store in a refrigerator. Wash the asparagus stems carefully and simply put it in a pan (not so deep) filled with water. Store the pan in the refrigerator, and you can have delicious asparagus stored for days.
When and where can I get asparagus?
It has been mentioned before that asparagus can be found during springtime which starts during March and spread till the span of two months after that. You can have it in the United States in every farmer market or stores during March and coming two months. Asparagus is the first crop of the spring season, and that’s why it is available as soon as the weather starts to change from cold winds to breezy summer. Some of the markets also have asparagus all year long because if stored properly, it can last for up to one year. However, the fresh asparagus tastes way better than the stored one and also it costs less.
Some Basic Tips
There are a few basic things which you should know even before buying asparagus.
We have discussed many ways of adding asparagus to your recipes you can choose the best way to make asparagus that suits your taste. Find the best asparagus recipe from the above mentioned healthy asparagus recipes, and you are ready to have your asparagus meal with high nutrition.
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