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How To Cut Asparagus

pile of asparagus on a cutting board

Asparagus is a favorite Spring-fresh vegetable that is great as a side dish or incorporated into your dish for an added crunch.

The neat thing about asparagus and its flavor is that it changes a lot depending on what other ingredients it is paired with.

Have you ever bought asparagus because you were curious about what it tastes like, but when you get home you look at it and wonder what you are supposed to do with them before you cook them?

Well, I am going to go over two ways how to cut asparagus so that you can enjoy the vegetable and its delicious flavors to the fullest.

How to cut asparagus 2 Ways

When buying your asparagus you want to look for firm green spears with tightly compact buds on their heads. If they are droopy at all they are most likely on their way out.

Also, look at the cut ends and make sure that they are not dried out. If they are then they are probably dried out up the stalk as well.

A good telltale sign of good asparagus is if they are heavier than they look for their size.

A lot of people would say that the taste resembles the flavor of broccoli and others might say that it is similar to green beans.

Either way, this vegetable is packed with nutrients and vitamins, so, however, you like to enjoy it you’ll also enjoy its health benefits.

For starters, you are going to wash your asparagus under cold water to get all of the dirt and grit off them and then pat them dry with a paper towel or dishtowel.

Next, decide which method you are going to use to trim your stalks.

1. How to cut asparagus with a knife

I would say that this is the best method for cutting your asparagus and yielding the most of your vegetables.

All you want to do is make sure that you get those woody, tough ends off before you cook them.

Line up 6-8 stalks at a time and cut off the white ends. You want to cut right above the white part of the stalk and below where it starts to turn green.

Also, learn how to cut cabbage another great vegetable.

2. How to cut asparagus by snapping it

snapping asparagus by hand

This is an easy way to trim your asparagus that doesn’t involve a knife at all. It is as easy as it sounds, just wait for the snap.

One stalk at a time, holding an end in each hand, bend the stalk until it snaps. It will snap off where the asparagus starts to get woody.

You will want to keep the tops of the stalks with the budded heads.

Some people do not like this method for timing because it tends to take off more than you really need to, which is kind of a waste.

Especially at the price asparagus sells for even when it is in season.

Frequently asked questions about how to cut asparagus

You want to cut off the woody end of the asparagus. Trim the end that is already cut off, not the end with the tight compact buds on the head.

Cutting off the white ends leaves you with the crispy delicious tops of the spears to put in soups, omelets, or even as a simple side dish.

Depending on how it is served you can simply eat it with your hands. Pick it up by the stalk end with the budded head up and dip into whatever sauce it might be served with.

If it’s covered in a sauce or incorporated in a dish then you can cut it with a knife and fork and eat it with your fork. Either way, it’s delicious and packed with nutrients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cutting asparagus is a simple but essential culinary skill that greatly influences the taste and texture of this versatile vegetable.

By following the steps we’ve outlined – identifying the woody ends, using the natural bend-and-snap technique, and slicing the stalks diagonally for enhanced presentation – you can easily maximize the potential of your asparagus dishes.

Whether you’re preparing a fancy dinner or a quick snack, this fresh and flavorful veggie, when cut correctly, can add an enticing element to a wide range of meals.

So, don’t shy away from buying asparagus in its whole form next time; with these cutting techniques at your disposal, you’re ready to turn this unassuming stalk into a gourmet delight.

asparagus cut with a knife

How to Cut Asparagus (2 Ways)

Bob
In this recipe I am going to cover over 2 easy ways to cut your asparagus to use as a side dish or to add into your soup, omlette or pasta dish.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 2 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 3 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 asparagus

Instructions
 

  • Wash your asparagus under cold water to make sure you get off all of the dirt. Then you want to pat it dry with a dishtowel.

Cut

  • Line up your stalks with the cut ends all lined up evenly. Look at the stalks and cut with a chef knife above the white ends where the stalks start to turn green. Discard the white ends and save the budded stalks for your dish.
    asparagus cut with a knife

Snap

  • Bend each stalk in half until it snaps into two pieces. Asparagus will naturally snap where the stalk starts to become woody. Discard the white ends and keep the budded ends for your recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 3kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 32mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 121IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg
Keyword How to cut asparagus, How to trim asparagus, Ways to cut asparagus
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