4 delicious ways to enjoy asparagus

Whether it’s green, white or purple, asparagus is a delicacy best indulged in when it’s in season — during mid to late spring. Take advantage of the availability of asparagus this month by incorporating it into all of your favorite dishes. Here are four great ways to prepare it.

1. Grilled. Toss your asparagus in olive oil, season it with salt and pepper and then grill it on your barbecue. Place the spears across the grill grates, or use a grill basket so you don’t lose any.

2. Roasted. Baking or roasting asparagus in a hot oven allows the sugars within to caramelize, thereby enhancing the latent flavors.

3. Blanched. Simmer your asparagus in boiling water for a few minutes. Once the spears are sufficiently cooked, remove and then plunge them in ice water. You can now serve your blanched asparagus on a crudités platter, or use them later in other recipes.

4. Pickled. Put the asparagus in a jar with green onions and brine made of water, salt and sugar. After a few days, you’ll have a delicious snack that keeps for months.

What to pair with asparagus
Asparagus is a great addition to many dishes. Add it to a salad, include it in a risotto or try it as a pizza topping. For a sophisticated side dish, top with Parmesan cheese, slivered almonds or balsamic vinegar.

Asparagus has a limited local growing season, so don’t miss out on indulging in this delicious veggie while it’s fresh.

Did you know?
White asparagus isn’t a genetically modified variety of green asparagus. Instead, the pale hue is induced by shielding young asparagus shoots from the sun. Typically, farmers pile soil over the emerging spears, which prevents them from photosynthesizing and turning green. Purple asparagus, on the other hand, is a genetic variety, but the violet color dissolves once the vegetable is cooked.