Although you can get your hands on asparagus year-round, the crisp vegetable is at its peak during spring. The tall, vibrant green stalks are prime for roasting, stir-frying, and grilling alike, and when it starts making an appearance at farmers’ markets across the country, that’s a good sign to grab a bundle. But what’s the best way to tell if asparagus is fresh? Before you try any more asparagus recipes, read on to learn how to shop for asparagus, no matter if it’s in season or not.
What to Look for When Buying Asparagus
Whether you’re strolling through the farmers’ market on a Saturday morning or grabbing groceries after work on a weeknight, bunches and bunches of asparagus will probably catch your eye during spring. If you want to grab some to cook for dinner, there are a few things that you should look for.
First, look at the tips of the asparagus—are they mushy and dark green? If so, that’s a sign the stalks are no longer fresh. The same goes for any stalks that are slimy, which may be expired.
You should also look for asparagus that are firm to the touch and sturdy. If you pick up a bunch and it feels soft and flimsy, or if any of the stalks are shriveled and wrinkled, it’s a good idea to put it back on the display shelf.
Finally, consider the color of the asparagus. It should be vibrant green, white, or purple, depending on the variety. Any yellowing that you notice—particularly in the tip of the asparagus—indicates that the asparagus are starting to go bad.
As for the size of the asparagus, there's a good chance that you'll come across both skinny and thick varieties. One isn’t necessarily better than the other—it mostly comes down to variety and growing conditions. Thick asparagus is ideal for recipes like this roasted asparagus or this grilled asparagus because the sturdier stalks hold up better to high heat. Thin asparagus is better suited for quick, gentle cooking methods or tossing into salads.
How to Store Asparagus
Once you pick out your prize bunch of asparagus and bring it home, don’t just shove it in the crisper drawer or a random shelf in your refrigerator. The best way to store asparagus is by treating it like a bunch of flowers. Place the asparagus in a tall glass filled with a couple of inches of water. Store the glass and its contents in a cool part of the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook with the asparagus.
