How to Cut Asparagus Spears with Step-by-Step Instructions

Looking to use asparagus in your next recipe? If so, you’ll want to learn how to cut asparagus the right way. Use this guide so you know how to select, trim, and cut your asparagus before cooking.

How to choose the best asparagus

Before you cut asparagus, begin by selecting healthy, dense, and ripe asparagus spears. Look for a firm, smooth texture and a rich green color. Once you have selected the asparagus, determine whether you will cut it into small pieces or simply trim the asparagus.

How to trim asparagus spears

Asparagus is in season from summer through fall. Whatever you’re using it for, you’ll want to cut out and work with the healthiest part of the stalk. If you are adding them to a casserole or salad, trim the stalks into smaller pieces. Otherwise, the pieces can be kept in spears. 

To cut asparagus spears:

1. Rinse the asparagus spears in water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Line up the asparagus spears next to each other on a cutting board and have them all face the same direction.
3. Select a sharpened knife so you can begin the cutting process.
4. Cut each of the spears where the lush green changes to the whiteish purplish color—this is the toughest part of the stalk and is important to trim, as it is difficult to digest.
5. Discard the white and purple sections into the trash or waste bin.
6. Trim to smaller pieces depending on the meal requirements and recipe recommendations.

How to cut asparagus from the garden

If you are lucky enough to grow asparagus in your garden, there are several things to check for as you select the spear and trim it. Since asparagus is one of the earlier crops of the year, knowing the time, length, and look of the stalk will help in picking it. Things to look for when cutting and trimming asparagus from the garden include:

1. Check that the stem is 5-8 inches long and similar in width to a finger.
2. Pick it earlier in the season so that it is tender and flavorful.
3. Break the spear near the roots—even though you may trim it again, going too close to the roots can affect other stalks in the area that might not be fully grown yet.

How to know how much asparagus to cut off

Knowing how much asparagus to cut off depends on the length. Rather than cutting off exactly 1 or 2 inches, focus on where the colors change. You’ll want to look for where to spear changes to white or purple. The color indicates that this part is not very easy to chew. This is why that last segment should be discarded.

Always trim the asparagus the day of the cooking and not ahead of time. If you’re not sure, just try taking a bite and then use that knowledge for the rest of the spears in that batch of asparagus.

Adding flavors to cut asparagus

When cutting asparagus for a casserole, add in a complementary flavor such as garlic, blue cheese, mozzarella, grated parmesan, or fresh, organic lemon or lemon juice.

Upon trimming or cutting the tasty asparagus, if you’ve decided to prepare for meals in the future, cut it up nicely and freeze it in a proper type of storage container for later use. Although it is best to use it immediately while in season, sometimes the easiest option is to have it prepared for a lazy day in the future. Frozen asparagus works well in soups, casseroles, and breakfast recipes.

How to cut asparagus for a casserole, salad, or pasta dish

After prepping the spears like usual, simply quarter or halve each spear. For longer spears, cut them into thirds or quarters. Still plan to remove and discard the white, tough, dried, and purple segment of the spear as this will detract from the overall flavor and won’t cook as well.

For salads, focus on small 1-inch pieces to cut, whereas for a pasta dish where the asparagus might get softer and potentially blend into the dish, consider cutting it into larger pieces (1.5 to 2-inch segments).

Enjoy your cut asparagus in different dishes

Now that you’ve mastered the art of cutting asparagus, you can use this vegetable in a wide variety of recipes. When it’s time to stock up, Instacart’s got you covered. Your green asparagus will be ready to go in less than 2 hours, just choose same-day delivery or pickup at checkout.

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