Asparagus Bundles Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How many asparagus per bundle? ›

When choosing asparagus, look for spears that are very green with full, tightly closed tips. Avoid any that look limp or that have very open tips. In general, the thinner the asparagus the more tender it will be. There are approximately 14 to 18 stalks per pound bunch and this is enough to serve a family of 4 or 5.

Fine grit can lurk in asparagus tips. To get rid of it, fill a bowl with cold water and soak the asparagus for a few minutes, then rinse off. That should rid the stems of any unpleasant sandiness.

Overcooking It

Because it only takes a few minutes to cook, keep a close eye on it to avoid soggy, limp stems as the outcome. To avoid overcooking, take it out of the oven or off the stove a minute or so before you think it's done. Another way to prevent overcooking is to shock the asparagus in an ice bath.

Asparagus can be steamed, roasted, grilled, broiled, boiled, blanched, dried or pickled. Combines well with: garlic, lemon juice, nutmeg, honey. Fine herbs: rosemary, basil, dill, marjoram, Mediterranean oregano, thyme, cilantro, etc.

My general rule of thumb for planning meals is ¼ to ⅓lb (uncooked) of any dish is a fair-sized side dish personal portion. I usually go with the smaller unless even know that it's someone's favorite. If the asparagus is your main feature, I'd plan on half a pound per serving.

Ratio: A half pound of asparagus will serve one person modestly. There are 15 to 20 medium-size asparagus stalks in a pound. You will need 6 to 10 medium-size stalks to serve one person, 4 to 6 large stalks to serve one person.

If you're working with thick stalks, peel the ends first with a vegetable peeler to make them easier to snap. Next, place one hand on the end of the stalk and one on the middle and snap the asparagus — it will miraculously break where the tough part of the stem meets the tender part of the stem.

Spears that were snapped lost an average of half their weight, while trimming and peeling resulted in a loss of less than 30 percent. The thicker the spear, the more pronounced the difference when snapped. SNAPPED: Snapping the natural breaking point means losing half the weight of almost every spear.

It's recommended to trim the pale bottom ends of asparagus because they are woody and tough. The ideal cutting point is where the spear turns green to white. You can also bend and snap one spear and use it as a guide to slice the rest.

Asparagus is great quickly stir-fried or sautéed over high heat. You could sauté spears in butter or olive oil with delicious results, but throwing some chopped herbs or sliced chiles into the pan adds wonderful flavor. Both of these methods produce juicy asparagus that retains its crunch.

What is the healthiest way to eat asparagus? ›

Try adding shredded, raw asparagus to pasta dishes and salads. Alternatively, enjoy the spears lightly steamed or sautéed in a frittata, or as a stand-alone side dish. Asparagus is a nutritious choice, regardless of whether it's cooked or raw. Try eating a combination of the two for maximum health benefits.

I've wrapped my asparagus in bacon before. It also pairs well with steak, chicken, and fish. Ive also used it in chicken Alfredo before. Asparagus is very versatile.

A good rule of thumb is to plant 25 asparagus plants for a family of four. You may want more if you plan to freeze some for the winter. Since you're planting only once, choose a well-drained garden spot that gets plenty of sun for your permanent asparagus bed.

Asparagus Bushel 24 lbs. Bunch 1.5 - 2 lbs.

Asparagus needs space, so plant the crowns 12 to 18 inches apart. They won't spread out much in the first couple of years, but once established, they will quickly fill in.

Can you eat too much asparagus? There are no known side effects of eating too much asparagus, but in large quantities, the fiber in the vegetable may cause diarrhea, gas, or bloating.