Cooking Asparagus Spears

Cooking Asparagus Spears

Cooking Asparagus Spears And It’s Health Benefits

Cooking Asparagus Spears and it’s health benefits. The lily family also includes garlic, onions and leeks. Asparagus has many vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Calcium and Fiber and totally nutritious. Asparagus contains detoxifying effects including antioxidants and the fibres assist in cleaning the gastrointestinal tract. Asparagus also contains mercaptan which is a sulfur compound and this can promote a strong urine odour, although once the asparagus is digested, the strong odour will vanish. It has been suggested that people who suffer with arthritis, cystitis and gut should avoid eating asparagus. Overall, cooking asparagus spears is a healthy choice, nutritious and there are many ways to cook this popular vegetable.

Cooking Asparagus Spears – The Most Popular Cooking Method

The most ideal cooking method for cooking asparagus spears is to Steam. Firstly, asparagus spears should be standing upright in a saucepan. This position will definitely steam the asparagus evenly. Overall, asparagus doesn’t require too much cooking time at all. If overcooked, asparagus loses its flavour and nutrients. The hard stalky ends are to be cooked through in a saucepan of boiling water but the asparagus spears are generally steamed lightly, as they are extremely delicate. Cooking asparagus spears in this way is very popular all over the world – quick and easy!

Cooking Asparagus Spears – Steamed Asparagus

When preparing asparagus spears for cooking, simply wash and trim first and then tie the spears together with cooking string. Fill a cooking vessel with at least 5cm water. Bring to boil. Place bottom end of asparagus into water, standing the upright position. Cover with lid and steam for approximately 7 minutes or until tender. By cooking asparagus spears in this way, the aroma intensifies and is always great for salads, topped with a delicious yogurt salad dressing.

Cooking Asparagus Spears – Boiled Asparagus

Cooking asparagus spears by boiling is yet another fast and simple way to create the perfect asparagus. Prepare aspargus spears. Pour 2.5cm to 4cm water into frying pan. Bring water to the boil, reduce and simmer gently for approximately 6 minutes or until tender. The boiling method for cooking asparagus spears is easy and simple and also great for salds. 

Cooking Asparagus Spears – Stir Fried Asparagus

The stir fry method for cooking asparagus spears is a bit different but a delightful way to cook this gorgeous vegetable. Wash and trim asparagus spears. Cut 2.5 cm diagonal slices. Heat frying pan and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook on medium heat and stir quickly for 5 minutes or until tender. Garnish with coriander. Different types of cuts are also attractive and decorative. This style of cooking asparagus spears is great, especially for asian meals!

Cooking Asparagus Spears in the Microwave Oven – Convenience!

Cooking asparagus spears in the microwave is convenience! Place asparagus spears on a microwave baking plate, pointing asparagus tips to the centre. Add ¼ cup of water and cover with plastic wrap. Make sure to leave an opening in plastic wrap to release steam. Microwave on high for approximately 6 minutes. Allow to stand for 3 minutes and season with salt and pepper.

Cooking Asparagus Spears – Grilled Asparagus

Grilling is a another different method for cooking asparagus spears. Thick asparagus spears are ideal for cooking asparagus spears in this way. Insert thin skewers through spears. Brush with basil butter. Place on top of barbecue grid and cook until tender. This method, in particular, is another great way for cooking asparagus spears for the barbecue. Great for presentation!

Cooking Asparagus Spears – Roasted Asparagus

Roasted Asparagus is delicious and cooking asparagus spears in this way is perfect with roast potatoes, pumpkin and onion. Preheat oven to 180C. Place a little thyme oil in baking dish and bake for approximately 8 minutes or until tender and slightly crispy. Cooking asparagus spears is a great additon for the Sunday roast.

Cooking Asparagus Spears – Useful Information

There are seven names associated with asparagus, commonly known as:

  • asparago
  • asparagus
  • asperge
  • espargos
  • esparrago
  • spargel
  • speargrass

Asparagus is popular and available for most of the year but generally, more so in the Spring time. When selecting asparagus, make sure it has firm green stalks, straight, smooth with closed tips. Always remember that asparagus that appears to be dull in color indicates that the asparagus is fairly old and be wary if the stalks are limp and dry.

It is advised not to wash asparagus prior to storing. Just simply trim the ends and stand them upright in a vessel – (in approximately – 2cm of water, as this will also keep them fresh. Finally, cover them with plastic and refrigerate. Some people also peel the lower end of the stalk as this eliminates the woody strings but it is not essential. Preparing and cooking asparagus spears is worthwhile for any hot or cold dish, so why try these simple methods.. Bon Appetit!

Tagged with: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Filed under: Vegetables & Info

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!