Care & Handling

Availability
Green Giant Fresh Asparagus is available year round.

Selection
Select spears which are bright green, straight and firm with tightly closed tips. Select ones with only an inch or so of the tough, woody base to trim off at the bottom. Look for asparagus with thicker spears, because they will be more tender than the thinner ones.

Storage
Wrap the bases of fresh asparagus spears in wet paper towels and keep in plastic bag, in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Asparagus can be stored up to 4 days.

Preparation
Cut or break off woody stem ends; wash spears before using.

Cooking
Boiling
Cook one pound spears or pieces, covered, in small amount of boiling salted water for about 4 to 6 minutes or until tender-crisp.

Steaming
Asparagus can be steamed 4 to 6 minutes or until tender-crisp.

Microwave
Place prepared asparagus in a microwave-safe casserole pan. Add about a half inch of water; cover, and microcook at HIGH (100%) for 3 to 4 minutes. Give dish a quarter-turn halfway through cooking time. Let stand 5 minutes.