Asparagus Tips!

Simple Cooking Basics
Approximate Cooking Times

SIMPLE COOKING BASICS BEFORE YOU COOK...

Selecting

• Select bright green asparagus with closed, compact, firm tips.
• If the tips are slightly wilted, freshen them up by soaking them in cold water.

Storage

• Keep fresh asparagus moist until you intend to use it.
• Keep frozen asparagus in the freezer until you are ready.
• Do no defrost before cooking. If the asparagus defrosts, cook it immediately.
• Do not refreeze! Make sure you use the asparagus within eight months.
• Keep canned asparagus in a cool, dry place.

Serving Suggestions

• Try fresh Asparagus with lemon juice.
• Chives, parsley, chervil, savory, tarragon or other spices melted into
  butter are delicious when poured over Asparagus.
• Sour cream, yogurt, and mayonnaise are easy toppings.
• Medium dry white wines are best with Asparagus -look for Chenin
  Blanc, Fumé Blanc or French Colombard.
• For purée, soups or salads, break or cut Asparagus spears at the
  tender part and use the trimmed ends that you might otherwise dis-card.
• Place them in a covered saucepan and boil until tender.
• Strain through a sieve or food mill forcing some of the pulp through, or
  process in a food processor or blender. Use as purée or mix with the
  cooking water for soups, stews, creamed dishes, or sauces.
• For easy, fun grilling, skewer several spears with bamboo skewers
  to make a unique "raft".

APPROXIMATE COOKING TIMES

TO BOIL
Place whole trimmed asparagus in a large skillet with 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches of water. Boil and start timing; reduce heat and briskly simmer, uncovered , for allotted time.

TO STEAM
Place asparagus on a steamer rack in a large saucepot over rapidly boiling water (water should come up to the rack but not over it). Cover saucepot and start timing. Steam for allotted time.

TO MICROWAVE
Arrange asparagus in a glass baking dish, with tips overlapping in center. Cover dish with plastic wrap, turning back one corner to vent steam. Microwave at HIGH (100%) power for allotted time. Let stand 3 to 5 minutes.

TO STIR-FRY
Cut asparagus spears into 1/4 inch diagonal slices, keeping tips whole. In a large skillet heat 1 to 2 tblsp. Vegetable oil; add asparagus pieces and stir-fry for allotted time.

California Fresh Asparagus. A healthier way of life!

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