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Fresh asparagus stalks are firm, straight and smooth. They should be a rich green color with a small amount of white at the bottom of the spear. A dull green hue and wrinkles in the stems are an indication of old age. Also look for asparagus that stands up straight–the stalks should not be limp.
How can you tell if asparagus is fresh?
Avoid stalks that appear limp or wilted. The tips of asparagus should be closed and compact, free from spreading or softness. Color: Asparagus should be should be rich in green color, softly fading to white at the bottom of the stalk. Avoid those dull in color, as this indicates the asparagus is passed freshness.
What does bad asparagus look like?
If the asparagus has begun to spoil, you will notice the tips become a progressively darker green until they are nearly black in color. The stalk will become limp and mushy and mold spots may begin to appear. It will begin to develop an unpleasant and pungent smell as decay sets in.
How do you pick good asparagus?
Choose Pristine Buds Stalks should be plump and firm, and tips should be tightly closed. Color can be green, purple, or white, depending on the variety. Make sure the color is not faded. A good grocer will chill asparagus or store it standing upright in cold, fresh water.
How do you know when asparagus is tender?
Asparagus is cooked when it is tender-crispy or crunchy and not mushy and limp. It should turn from a vibrant green to a dull olive green. However, if it’s not well cooked, the spear will be too hard for a fork to pierce, while overcooked asparagus tends to fall apart when you poke it.
What color is fresh asparagus?
Choosing Asparagus Fresh asparagus will be bright green with no signs of shriveling. The tender tips may have a purplish cast, but they should be firm and tight, never mushy. The cut end will be thick and fibrous. This end is cut off before cooking, but if the shoots are fresh, you may lose only an inch.
Can you eat slimy asparagus?
You should avoid eating old asparagus, especially if you notice any slimy or soft parts, or if the asparagus has an off smell and mold. It is best to not eat asparagus that shows any signs of spoiling. Not only will it have a lower nutrient content, but it will taste off and possibly even make you ill.
How long does fresh asparagus last in the refrigerator?
Cover with a plastic bag then refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Change the water as it gets cloudy to keep the asparagus perky and fresh. If you just can’t spare the room in the fridge, wrap the asparagus in wet paper towels instead. Cover it with a plastic bag before refrigerating.
What does raw asparagus smell like?
Bad odor. Asparagus doesn’t have much of a smell when it is fresh and uncooked. If your asparagus has gone bad it will have a strong foul smell to it and most likely also have one or two if not all of the other attributes of rotted asparagus that we went over above.
How long does raw asparagus last in the fridge?
When stored correctly, fresh asparagus can last up to a week. Throwing it in the fridge the way you would other vegetables shortens its lifespan by a few days. What about cooked asparagus? That’ll be good in the fridge for about five days.
Why is my green asparagus turning purple?
Purple asparagus gets it color from anthocyanin, a pigment and antioxidant also found in berries and some other vegetables. Its deep color isn’t the only thing that separates purple asparagus from green varieties.
Is thick or thin asparagus better?
The vegetable’s fiber is slightly more concentrated in thinner spears. Since thick and thin spears are both good bets, choose the size that best suits your cooking method. Thicker stalks are better for broiling and roasting because they will stand up to the intense dry heat that would quickly shrivel skinnier spears.
When should I buy asparagus?
Asparagus is available year-round, but spring is the best season for this nutritious vegetable. Crops are harvested from late February to June, with April being the prime month and high season for asparagus. By the end of May, asparagus is at the end of its season in most locations.
What part of asparagus is poisonous?
5. Asparagus. Like the rhubarb, the part of the asparagus plant that we love – the young stems – are perfectly safe to eat. But the asparagus hides a deceptive, nasty secret: Its fruit, which are bright red berries, are toxic to humans.
Do you have to peel asparagus before you cook it?
Be wary of any recipe that instructs you to peel asparagus before cooking it. Not only is it labor-intensive, it’s really not necessary. Rick Martinez, BA’s digital associate food editor, explains that as long as you get rid of the bottom portion of the stalk, the rest is entirely edible.
How do you cook asparagus so it’s not chewy?
How To Roast Asparagus Rinse, pat dry, and trim the ends of each stem. Peel thicker stems as needed (see below). Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Or add your favorite seasonings. We often add a little fresh lemon zest and garlic. Bake in a 400 degree oven until the tips brown slightly and the stalks are tender.
