Dont waste a single bite.
Asparagus celebrates the start of spring.
Learning how to trim asparagus properly will help ensure every asparagus dish is enjoyable for everyone at the table.
Credit: Courtney West / Southern Living
Should You Snap Asparagus?
It’s a simple method and doesn’t even require a knife.
The stalk will break right where it starts to get toughor that’s what you thought all these years.
Credit: Courtney West / Southern Living
The truth is that the bend-and-snap method can actually waste delicious asparagus.
Line up all the spears in a row and slice off the ends simultaneously.
Cut right above where the stalks turn from white to green.
Credit: Courtney West/Southern Living
If you’re still not convinced, compare two asparagus stalks of the same length and size side-by-side.
Use the bend-and-snap method with one stalk and see how it compares to a stalk trimmed with a knife.
The snapped stalk will probably be a few inches shorter.
Credit: Courtney West / Southern Living
Step 1.
Sort Your Asparagus
Unwrap or untie the asparagus bundle.
before you jump in, sort through your asparagus bundles and remove any stalks that look shriveled or dark.
They won’t be fit to cook.
Step 2.
Wash Asparagus
Rinse all spears in a colander under cool water.
Too much water on the asparagus will prevent oil and seasoning from adhering to the vegetables.
Step 3.
Trim Asparagus
Once dry, arrange the asparagus stalks so that the woody ends align.
Fatter spears may require more trimming than tender, thin spears.
Discard the woody asparagus ends, or save themfor stock.
Do you oughta Trim Asparagus?
It is not necessary to trim asparagus.
On some spears, especially fresh, pencil-thin stalks, the woody ends may tenderizeonce cooked.
