Asparagus is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop. It comes from the Asparagaceae family. There are reported 200 species of Asparagus. It can also be cultivated as an ornamental plant and is used by florists in arrangements and corsages. Only young asparagus shoots are commonly consumed and eaten, once the buds start to fern out, it becomes woody and hard.
The shoots of asparagus are prepared and is served in many ways. It is usually prepared as a vegetable side dish but it is also eaten raw. Most Chinese prefer preparing asparagus stirred fried with cuts of beef, chicken or shrimp. It can also be charred and is used in stews and soups.
Asparagus has a high water content of around 93%. It is low in sodium and is believed to be a good source of vitamins, calcium, magnesium and zinc. It is also rich in dietary fiber, protein, and all sorts of good stuff that your body needs to be healthy and active. It contains asparagine a kind of amino acid which is good for your body in keeping you healthy and always on the go.
How to clean asparagus?
Like any crops or vegetables that grow on soil, it needs to be thoroughly washed and cleaned. There are things that we don’t want to be on our plate when eating asparagus. Remember, it doesn’t grow on trees where it won’t be soiled or be step upon, it grows close to the ground and chances are it can carried things that will make us ill. Cleaning it is just easy just follow these simple easy steps.
- Rinse the spears under cool water to remove any grit.
- Snap off the bottom about an inch from the roots by using your fingers (You will notice, that the stems will just break and the hard, woody part will be exposed)
- Dry the spears by rolling them between two kitchen towels.
- You may cut the spears whole or if you prefer you can have a smaller bite-sized cuts for stir frying
- You can peel the thick part by using a vegetable peeler, do it nice and easy.
To what extent do I have to clean the asparagus?
- According to an article by bonappetit.com “if you peel it (asparagus), you are left with a tiny and measly little pieces of asparagus”. bonappetit.com further explained that as long as the bottom portion of the stalk of the asparagus is removed, the rest of it is edible. So if you keep on removing or you keep on scraping the supposed “hard part” you are left only with a tiny portion which is quite depressing.
- Next is to blanch the asparagus. Whatever you intend to do with the asparagus, whether you wanted to grill or roast it, always make an effort and time to blanch it. If you don’t do it, you might be over-cooking or even burn the outside part of the asparagus but the inside part would still be raw. Blanching is just easy, bring a pot of water to a boil, put some salt, that it would like seems like a brine solution, saltier than when you cook pasta. Drop the spears in the water and cook for around 1-3 minutes. Be sure that you are just blanching it and not boiling it.
- Shock it. Right after blanching the asparagus, use a tong or a strainer to transfer them in a bowl filled with water with lots of ice. Swirl the asparagus in the cold water until it is no longer hot, removed immediate and drain. That will make it crispier than a boiled one, and of course it is more delicious.
Is there something we can use to clean and wash the asparagus aside from water?
You can also wash the asparagus with vinegar. You can use this ratio when cleaning the asparagus with vinegar. In every 1/2 gallon of water, use about 1/2 cup of vinegar. You need to wash your asparagus thoroughly because you can’t sand and soil.
What vinegar are we going to use in cleaning the asparagus?
You can use apple cider vinegar in cleaning the asparagus.
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, 16 oz
Made from organically grown apples. Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar had been around being usually the brand of choice in food preparation. You can put it in your salad, or use it as a dip. It uses only the finest, non-GMO, and certified to be organic. It has enzymes that give it a murky appearance and is considered the mother of vinegar. It’s one of the few products that grow on land and not lab.
Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar, 16 oz
Heinz is a well-established brand that had been in existence for several years. Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar is made from the juice of the fines quality apples. It is diluted with water for uniform pickling with a strength of 5% acidity. It goes through the process of extensive filtration to give its sparkling and clear appearance. Remember, good things are usually in a bottle.
Fairchild’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Fairchild’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is USDA certified to be organic, raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized, non-GMO, and contains the mother of vinegar. It is undiluted providing a strength of 25% of pure Apple Cider Vinegar. It’s made from apples that are from the Northwest. It does not contain any concenters, peels, and cores. Processed and bottled with the strictest quality.
Marukan Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, 24 Ounce
Marukan has existed for 10 generations, their apple cider vinegar aside from cleaning vegetables is perfect for recipes, dressing, or can be used as a mix in a drink, It is raw and unfiltered, it has the patented tangy apple cider flavor. Made from crisp, organic apples, it has zero calories and zero fat. Certified organic and non-GMO.
What if there is no apple cider vinegar?
If an Apple Cider Vinegar is not available, you have the option to use a vegetable wash. Our list of vegetable wash could help you clean and wash your asparagus so that it would be ready for cooking, safe, and be enjoyed by your family and friends.
Veggie Wash Fruit & Vegetable, Produce Wash and Cleaner, 1-Gallon
$26.42
Better safe than sorry. Do not compromise the safety of your family and friends by not using a high-quality vegetable wash. It Veggie wash safely removes wax, soil, chemicals, and other residues that you should not be consuming. Ideal for almost vegetables and fruits. Perfect for your asparagus ensures you that you are eating something safe and not something that is compromised and contaminated. Don’t eat wax, use this veggie wash for a safer and enjoyable meal. Can give you a lot of safer and meals because it is available in 1 gallon.
Veggie Wash Fruit & Vegetable Wash, Produce Wash and Cleaner, 16-Fluid Ounce, Pack of 3
$14.94
Not because you are busy or there is no tap, you are just going to take for granted and assume that everything is going to be okay because it looks fine and clean. You can’t see with your eyes wax, you cant see pollutants or other things that are small to see and detect. Use this veggie wash spray in getting rid of soil and sand, chemicals, residue, and other impurities and dirt. Don’t just guess, make you every decision, and your choices count. Be safe at all times, always have this veggie wash for safer and more enjoyable meals.
Arm & Hammer Fruit & Vegetable Wash
$16.32
From the maker of the well-known baking soda, Arm & Hammer comes with a vegetable wash that would help you keep your family safe and healthy. Arm & Hammer Fruit and Vegetable Wash help you get rid of 90% pesticide residue that is known to cause serious diseases when taken or consumed. Better than water in removing pesticides that stick in your vegetables and fruits. This veggie wash is free from harsh chemicals does leave any traces of unwanted odor or taste. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Uses the high qualities ingredients in their baking soda, Arm & Hammer is sure to remove anything that will cause your family harm and illness. Eating clean and healthier food should be your priority in family care. It is very easy to use spray, rub and then rinse. It is proven safe as certified by Safer Choice. Be safe, eat clean, eat healthily.
Fit Organic 32 Oz Soaker Produce Wash
$13.99
When your family’s health is on the line, there is no place for complacency and over confidence. Do not put your family’s health in danger. Fit Organic Vegetable Wash is USDA certified to be organic fruit and vegetable wash. It uses natural ingredients giving you worry free and confidence every time you eat your favorite vegetable and fruit. It is easy to prepare, in every half of a gallon of water, mix only a capful and soak your veggies and fruits and everything is going to be okay. Fit Organic Vegetable Wash removes 98% percent pesticides, waxes and other contaminants that is better than water alone. It doesn’t leave any unpleasant taste or smell making eating more enjoyable. It bears the “Leaping Bunny” logo assures us that no animals are harm in the production of the product.
We hope, we were able to shed some light on your preparation of asparagus. Make every food preparation safe, easy and convenient with our tips. Remember to not overdo things so that you won’t be eating something bland, tasteless and soggy. Asparagus is a good and delicious vegetable, but if you overdo peeling, overdo blanching and overdo almost everything, it’s going to be undesirable and will leave a not so good experience. The secret is timing, and always remember just do every thing right and on point and you are in for a meal.
