Asparagus means SPRING on a plate, not matter how you cook them!!
You should always try to cook with the harvest, and now it's here! They can be now found fresh at the Farmer's Market.
There are many great ways to enjoy them! Grilled pairs deliciously with a juicy steak; it can be shaved into long delicate strips and tossed with greens for a crisp salad, can be chopped and used as a filling for ravioli, or also with these delicious recipes: Asparagus with Prosciutto & Crema Balsamica & Italian Seasoned Honey Grilled Asparagus
However, when the season pass and you will still want to enjoy them at your table, you will always want to look for the freshest spears. Here are some tips for shopping for fresh asparagus.
Choose fresh-looking, firm spears with tight tips.
Smell then first to make sure they don´t give off an unpleasant odor.
Check the cut ends of the stalks, they should be moist not dried out. If only dried ends are all that's available, cut about an inch off the bottom.
Open tips along the stem indicate old age; these stalks will be less flavorful and have a tough woody texture.
Thicker spears are usually tenderer than skinny ones.
To make sure they keep their freshness, stand asparagus bundles in about an inch of water in a jar or a shallow tray and keep them in the refrigerator.
Cook them within two to three days.