Some folks love it, some can’t abide it, and others simply enjoy this spring treat from the garden. But there are some interesting facts you should know before choosing Asparagus. They might even turn you from an Asparagus ‘decliner’ to an avid fan. And success is all in how you prepare it…
This Asparagus Pizza also contains Bacon Crumbles and a Three-Cheese Blend
over a traditional Red Pizza Sauce. Bacon, Ham and other mildly
spicy Cured Meats go well with Asparagus, and you
can’t go wrong adding a squeeze of Lemon.
Asparagus is a plant that my late father always had ‘in the back of his garden’, along with Rhubarb and a pair of Gooseberry bushes. The great thing about Asparagus is that, like Rhubarb, it requires little attention once its root system is established. In fact, Dad used to say his Asparagus came back every spring ‘like a weed’. Certainly it was always the first plant to revive in his beloved garden patch each year.
Patience, patience…
Asparagus requires patience and perseverance to cultivate, as well as a certain amount of space. You can often find live Asparagus Root Crowns at your local garden centre early in the spring, just after the soil thaws but before the Asparagus sprouts. You can grow from seed if you wish, but you’ll get a several-seasons head start on production if you plant Crowns, because they will establish themselves faster. Plant them 8 – 12 in. / 20 – 30 cm deep in loose, light soil, in rows 20 – 24 in. / 50 – 60 cm apart, allowing one Crown every 18 in. / 45 cm along each row. When sighting your Asparagus patch, try to locate it in full sunlight for best results. Once established, your asparagus patch shopuld produce for 1t least 20 yearsThere are many websites that offer detailed instructions and recommendations for planting Asparagus. Modern Farmer is one of the more comprehensive.
Battle of the Sexes
Most Asparagus species are bi-gender. That is, they need both male and female plants within pollinating distance of each other to succeed. You can always tell the male plants from the females plants, because their spears are usually shorter and fatter than the female ones, and tend to have tougher skins and woody interiors. If you look closely, you’ll see that most supermarket Asparagus is female, because it’s tastier and more tender. If you get a mix of male and female Asparagus in your supermarket bunch, remember to always peel the male spears to avoid stringy, tough results.
Asparagus is a commitment
The Asparagus ‘season’ is short and one needs to be committed to enjoying it every night over about a two-week period to make the most of the harvest. My Dad’s mother used to pickle Asparagus for use all year round, but preserving it tends to make it turn pale and overwhelm its delicate, earthy flavour. Still, Pickled ‘Gus is just the thing to brighten up an otherwise plain, middle-of-the-winter Salad. You can also freeze it if you like, but I’ve found that the spears come out of the freezer soft and floppy – great for adding flavour to Soups, Stews, Salads and other dishes, but not great as a side on their own.
Favourite dishes
Asparagus is a great favourite in the UK and Western Europe. Asparagus Tarte is one of the most popular side dishes made from it there. Asparagus Caprese (roasted with Tomatoes and Cheese) is also beloved. Asparagus au gratin is the way to go if you love Cheese! Roasted, Panfried and Grilled Asparagus are among the more popular dishes in North America.
And don’t forget…
Asparagus is also a great topping for a Mega-Cheesy Pizza or a quick Hot Appetizer. I’ve made Asparagus Mac and Cheese with Bacon Crumbles and Three Cheeses, as well as Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Asparagus tips! Go a-Googling at your leisure to discover thousands of other Asparagus recipes…
~ Maggie J.