It’s time to wave those spears and cheer – spring is here and so is Australian asparagus!
As spring approaches we all eagerly await the reappearance of luscious local spears. As we say goodbye to winter we say hello to yummy ways to brighten our day.
Australian Asparagus is much loved for its luscious eating quality. It’s also amazingly versatile. Grilled or pan-roasted spears are a delicious way to start the day while boosting our veggie quota. Asparagus also provides a perfect solution for lightening up our BBQ fare for gatherings of family and friends. Picture delicious spears sizzling on the BBQ, platters of tender just cooked spears and cool salads with crunchy fresh asparagus adding vibrancy.
Seasonal availability
Australian asparagus is available from September to March with most Australian asparagus produced during spring between September and November.
A smaller supply of Australian asparagus is also available during the summer months (a number of growers cultivate summer asparagus by setting aside fields of new asparagus ferns ready for ‘summer cut’).
When Australian asparagus is out of season, or when supplies are limited such as at the beginning and end of the season, asparagus is imported to supplement local supplies and satisfy consumer demand.
Selecting asparagus
Look for firm, bright, smooth spears of uniform size with closed, compact tips.
When you snap freshly harvested asparagus, it should be crisp, moist and juicy.
Storing asparagus
Freshly harvested asparagus is very similar to cut flowers. It needs to be kept in cool, humid conditions.
One way to keep asparagus fresher for longer is to wrap it in a damp tea towel, pop it in a plastic bag and store it in the crisper compartment of your refrigerator.
Another way is to stand the fresh spears upright in a container with 1cm cold water, cover and store it in the refrigerator.
Preparing asparagus
Simply snap off any woody ends with your forefinger and thumb. Alternatively, run a knife along the stalk until it meets less resistance, and then cut the end off at this point.
Asparagus can be served both raw and cooked – try it fresh in salads and salsas as well as in an endless variety of cooked dishes.
Cooking asparagus
Asparagus is quick and easy to prepare and cook too. Simply snap or trim any woody ends and we’re only minutes away from boosting our vegetable intake in the most delicious way.
Aussie asparagus also suits most cooking methods including grilling, BBQing, stir-fry, microwaving, oven roast, blanching, steaming, boiling, pickling.
Asparagus is yummy in soups, salads omelette, frittata, quiche, tarts and much, much more!