John M

You don’t need to blanch asparagus if you plan to roast, grill, or sauté it.   But if you’re serving it cold, raw, or adding it to a salad, blanching is the way to go.   So, do you need to blanch asparagus?   The honest answer is — it depends on how you’re cooking … Read more

You do have to wash asparagus before cooking or eating it.   Even though it looks clean, fresh asparagus often carries dirt, sand, and tiny hidden grit trapped in its tips.   Washing asparagus is a simple step that takes less than a minute and keeps your meal safe and tasty.   If you’ve ever … Read more

You do have to trim asparagus, but only the tough, woody ends—not the whole stalk.   If you’ve ever wondered whether you have to trim asparagus before cooking, the answer is a firm yes for the bottom portion.   That fibrous base is unpleasant to chew and won’t soften much no matter how long you … Read more

No, you do not have to plant asparagus every year.   Asparagus is a perennial vegetable, which means it comes back on its own season after season once it’s established.   If you’ve been wondering, “Do you have to plant asparagus every year?” the short answer is no, and that’s actually one of the best … Read more

You do not have to refrigerate asparagus if you plan to use it within a day or two.   But if you want to keep asparagus fresh for longer than that, refrigeration is the best way to go.   Asparagus is a delicate vegetable, and it starts losing moisture and flavor quickly once harvested.   … Read more

You do have to peel white asparagus, but not always because the whole spear is tough.   The rule most cooks follow is that thick white asparagus spears need peeling, while very thin ones can sometimes skip it.   If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen staring at a bundle of pale spears and asked … Read more