Tender and crisp, asparagus is such a deliciously satisfying veggie chock full of health benefits. Let’s jump into all things asparagus, from preparation tips to recipes.

How Do You Choose & Store Asparagus?

1. Find super-fresh stalks and use within a few days. Be sure to look for bright green stalks with a snappy texture.
2. Pick how thick. Thinner asparagus stalks are tender and sweet. Thicker asparagus has more robust flavor and a meatier texture.
3. Store your asparagus properly. Asparagus bunches usually come in a tight rubber band. Free your spears so they get neither bruised nor a rubbery texture. You can just keep them loose in a produce bag until it’s time to prepare them.

How Do You Prepare Asparagus?

1. Soak your asparagus well. To remove the dirt that can get trapped in asparagus tips, fill a bowl with cold water, soak the asparagus for a few minutes, then rinse it off.
2. Snap off the woody ends. The asparagus itself is your guide to how much of the ends needs to come off. Gently bend the stalks and then s nap them as far down as they’ll easily break. Or, you can slice the tough white parts with a knife – take off about an inch or more.
3. Peel thicker stems. For fatter stalks, use a vegetable peeler to peel them from the end to just below the tip (this will help avoid stringiness).

Is Asparagus Good for You?

1. Loaded with Nutrients, asparagus is an excellent source of folate and provides fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K.
2. Packed with Antioxidants that may help slow the aging process and reduce inflammation.

How to Cook Asparagus

Asparagus is a veggie with amazing range. You can roast, sauté, grill, or even air fry it. And you can make it as simple (think butter or oil with a pinch of salt) or as complex as you’d like. It pairs with a great variety of meats, veggies, cheeses and herbs. Enjoy it cold or hot. In breakfast dishes, delicious entrées or desserts. There really isn’t enough to say about asparagus.

Roasted Asparagus
Preheat oven to 425°F. On a large baking sheet, add asparagus in a single layer, and bake until the base can be easily pierced with a fork. Cook time will vary 10-20 minutes based on thickness.

Sauteed Asparagus
Melt butter in a large pan, then add asparagus spears. Sauté over medium-high heat until tender (approximately 5 minutes) and serve.

Grilled Asparagus
Over medium heat (350°- 400°F) place the asparagus perpendicular to the grill grate. Close the lid and grill for roughly 6-10 minutes, or until tender and crisp.

Air Fryer Asparagus
In a single layer, place asparagus in air fryer basket. Set to 400°F and cook for 7 minutes, or until golden brown.

And we just want to emphasize one more thing. Don’t. Overcook. Asparagus. Or you’ll be left with some sad, mushy stalks. No matter how you’re cooking asparagus, cook it until it’s just tender. You’ll be happy to know one of the ways to check if you’ve achieved perfect tenderness status is a taste test. The other is piercing it with a fork.

Thinking of adding asparagus to your menu? Well, we’re here for these spears with their versatility and absolute deliciousness. Be sure to check out some of our favorite asparagus recipes below and find more easy meal ideas on our Meal Solutions Page.

Best Asparagus Recipes

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to try some delicious asparagus recipes. Asparagus can add vibrant spring freshness to many dishes and can be eaten as a satisfying side or incorporated into main meals for a pop of color and flavor. From quick weeknight dinners to special weekend meals, check out some of our best asparagus recipes below.