What’s the best way to cook asparagus?

So, asparagus serving suggestions and the big questions this way…

• What kind of vegetable is asparagus?
• Can you be allergic to asparagus?
• What are the health benefits of eating asparagus?
• Should I eat asparagus raw?
• What are some ingredients I can add to asparagus to make it taste better?
• What is the healthiest way to cook asparagus?
• Do I cut the ends off asparagus before speaking?
• What are some good vegan toppings for asparagus?
• Can you suggest some ingredients for an asparagus salad?
• What is the best way to cook asparagus?

Time to find out...

What kind of vegetable is asparagus?

Asparagus is a stem vegetable, cultivated for its young shoots (in fact the word asparagus derives ‘asparag’, the Persian word for shoot) - however, if left long enough the plant does flower, and it was once classified as a ‘lily’.

In the UK, asparagus comes into season in the late spring, and is considered a green vegetable due to its vibrant colour, although globally asparagus can come in other colours such as white and purple.

Can you be allergic to asparagus?

Whilst it is possible to be allergic to asparagus, it is not a common allergy and asparagus is not among the 14 major food allergens.

There has been some suggestion that there is cross-reactivity between asparagus and garlic and onions, so those who are sensitive or intolerant to those foods might find asparagus has a similar effect.

What are the health benefits of eating asparagus?

Asparagus is a healthy food in general, as it is low in sodium and fat, and has a high nutrient to calorie ratio, but there are other benefits too. It is rich in vitamins like A, C (which boosts the immune system), K (helps blood to clot when necessary) and folate (a must for women of a child bearing age).

Asparagus also contributes to gut health, and contains a good amount of polyphenols, plant compounds which act as an anti-inflammatory.

Should I eat asparagus raw?

You should eat asparagus raw if you want to get the maximum amount of vitamin C, and you’re eating the asparagus in season - asparagus is known for its crunch, and sweet and delicate flavour, but after peak season has passed it can become woody in taste and tough in texture.

It’s also worth noting for those with sensitive stomachs, cooking asparagus makes it easier to digest.

What are some ingredients I can add to asparagus to make it taste better?

Asparagus doesn’t need much to enhance the flavour - something as simple as melted butter or fresh lemon juice/zest will bring out the sweetness of the vegetable - or you can mix the 2 together and drizzle over to make it really pop!

Parmesan cheese is another classic asparagus topping - its savoury nuttiness complements the fragrant asparagus, and if stuck under a grill or sauteed in a griddle, achieves a caramelised crispiness.

For something more substantial, asparagus is often paired with salmon - not only do they taste good together but their similar cooking times makes them ideal for a one pan dish.

Another filling, and vegetarian friendly, idea is to combine eggs, boiled new potatoes, chopped onion, cheese, and other leafy greens with asparagus to make a frittata.

What is the healthiest way to cook asparagus?

The healthiest way to cook asparagus is by steaming it - this will keep most of the nutrients and health benefits intact. Lightly roasting, or sautéing will also retain most of asparagus’s nutrients, but to do so you will need to add a small amount of fat. If this is a healthy fat like olive oil it will still be healthy, but it will also be more calorific than if just steamed.

Do I cut the ends off asparagus before cooking it?

Yes, just about every recipe for asparagus or asparagus dishes will tell you to cut the ends off before using them for anything - because although it’s not absolutely necessary, the ends of asparagus are tougher and woodier than the rest of the stem and so the overall flavour and texture is improved by removing them. But where to cut from? You’ll see a visible toughening and a slight bend towards the bottom of an asparagus shoot - this is the natural breaking point so slice from there.

What are some good vegan toppings for asparagus?

There are plenty of delicious vegan toppings for asparagus - in fact, olive oil and lemon juice or zest are 2 of the most classic and best, and are both plant-based. You can also add garlic, black pepper, a drizzle of sesame oil and rice vinegar infused with spices like turmeric, or a blend of oil and herbs such as dill or basil. For something more substantial, tofu that’s been marinated in lemon juice or soy sauce is filling and a good accompaniment to asparagus.

Can you suggest some ingredients for an asparagus salad?

Asparagus is a great salad ingredient - particularly in spring or summer salads that contain other green vegetables like peas, sugar snap peas and spinach, and brightly flavoured ingredients such as lemon juice, pine nuts and dijon mustard dressing, with a tangy cheese like parmesan or feta to contrast with the asparagus’s sweetness.

What is the best way to cook asparagus?

There are several effective ways to cook asparagus - you can roast it in the oven or under a grill, steam it horizontally over boiling water, or vertically in a special apparatus, air fry it or pan fry in a little oil, or even microwave it. All of these methods have their own pros and cons.

Most culinary purists would say steaming is the best way to cook asparagus, as it is most effective when it comes to preserving the delicate sweetness of the vegetable whilst reducing woodiness (towards the bottom of the stalk), and keeps the crunchy texture. For maximum impact, give the asparagus a quick plunge in iced water right after steaming - it’ll ensure you maintain the vibrant green colour.