Asparagus is a popular vegetable, especially in the spring. This article offers a step-by-step tutorial on how to trim asparagus with photos.
Did you know that asparagus can tell you where they want to be trimmed? Well, they can. Learn how simple trimming asparagus is!
But first, I have a confession to make before we start trimming asparagus. I once tried asparagus from a can (sigh).
If you love canned asparagus, by all means, be my guest. In my opinion, canned asparagus was probably one of the worst foods I have ever put into my mouth! Fortunately, I like to try new things. I tried asparagus again cooked fresh, and from that day on; asparagus has become part of my go-to side dishes.
There seem to be a lot of questions about how to cut asparagus and prep them for roasting, sauteing, and grilling. The ends of asparagus stalks can be very tough and woody. They should be removed, but how? The asparagus can tell you!
Let’s trim asparagus!
How To Trim Asparagus
First, take one stalk of asparagus. Place the ends between your thumb and forefinger of each hand. Then bend the stem until it breaks.
The asparagus automatically breaks where the woody part ends, and the fresh, juicy asparagus begins. So you don’t need to worry about snapping off too much or too little.
All the asparagus spears in the bunch will not break in the same place, so that is why laying them on a cutting board and cutting the ends off with a knife is not a very good way to take off the ends. Breaking a single stalk of asparagus from a bunch can give you an idea of where each may break, so that is why I recommend breaking one asparagus stalk first.
To speed up the process, I recommend taking three to four stalks of asparagus at a time. Hold them loosely and allow them to flex and break where they want to break.
If you have never tried this method of trimming asparagus, you should try this method and recipes.
Asparagus Recipes
- Crustless Asparagus Ricotta Quiche
- Cream of Asparagus Soup
- Savory Bread Pudding With Ham Asparagus and Mushrooms
- Asparagus Eggs Benedict With Portobello Mushrooms
- Brown Butter Tortellini with Toasted Garlic and Asparagus
- Grilled Asparagus
- Asparagus-Ricotta Tart
- Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Learn more about asparagus HERE.
How To Trim Asparagus {The Mountain Kitchen Tips
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
Instructions
- First, take one stalk of asparagus. Place the ends between your thumb and forefinger of each hand. Then bend until it breaks.The asparagus automatically breaks where the woody part ends and the fresh, juicy asparagus begins. So you don’t need to worry about breaking off too much or too little.
- All the asparagus in the bunch will not break in the same place, so that is why laying them on a cutting board and cutting the ends off with a knife is not a good way to take off the ends. Breaking a single stalk of asparagus from a bunch can give you an idea of where each may break, so that is why I recommend breaking one asparagus stalk first.To speed up the process, I recommend taking three to four stalks of asparagus at a time. Hold them loosely and allow them to flex and break where they want to break.
Patricia Col says
FYI Asparagus this time of the year comes from South America and is not that great. Try and hold out until March when only buy the produce grown in America…it has much more flavor than the bland stuff from down south. I grill mine with crushed garlic, olive oil, slat and pepper. It really is an earthy food when bought fresh.
debbeedoodles says
I grow my own, but sometimes don’t like to wait until it is seasonal. Grilled is a good way to eat it too, but I think my favorite is baked. 🙂
Debbie Spivey says
Thanks for stopping by and sharing! 🙂
Debbie Spivey says
I’m sorry, I fumble around with WordPress still. I wish I could help you, but I am not sure. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck!