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Preparing & Cooking Asparagus It’s time to dispel the myth that asparagus is only for gourmet cooks. Preparing and cooking fresh asparagus is easy! Simply follow the basic steps below and you will be only minutes away from a tantalising dish - whether you are planning to steam it, stir-fry it, bake it, blend it, toss in a salad or even throw it on the barbecue. Green Asparagus Most green asparagus is ready-to-go. However, if the base of the stalk is tough, simply run a knife along the stalk until it meets less resistance, then cut the end off at this point. Or simply snap off the coarse ends with your forefinger and thumb. See also Types of Asparagus. White Asparagus White asparagus spears are usually thicker than green asparagus. White asparagus also has a thicker outer layer that can be easily removed. Simply use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer of each spear two-thirds the length of the spear towards the tip, then snap off the woody end. See also Types of Asparagus. Purple Asparagus Purple asparagus spears are between 10% and 15% wider at the base than green asparagus spears. To select the freshest spears, consumers should look for firm, crisp stalks and compact brightly coloured heads with no trace of softness. When purple asparagus spears are sliced, the cream coloured flesh provides an especially effective presentation for salads and stir-fries. Prolonged cooking causes purple asparagus to turn a deep green colour. To retain the vibrant purple colour, it is best to cook purple asparagus just until tender crisp. Or serve it fresh in salads and salsas. Interestingly, adding ‘acidic’ dressings using lime or lemon juice, or white wine or apple cider vinegar helps intensify the beautiful crimson hue. See also Types of Asparagus. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Back | Home | About Asparagus | Recipes & Tips | What's New | From the Chefs | Supplying Asparagus | Contact us | Site Map Copyright© Australian Asparagus Council. Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information on this website is correct and up to date, no representation is made or warranty given (either express or implied) as to the completeness, accuracy or currency of the information that it contains. Last updated August 2007 | |
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