How to Cut Asparagus in 5 Steps

Asparagus is the common name for Asparagus officinalis L., a perennial flowering plant best known for its edible young shoots. These green vegetables are high in calcium and potassium, and you can easily find them at most grocery stores. Earthy-tasting asparagus takes on different textures depending on how you cook it, whether blanching, roasting, frying, or sautéing.

Chefs and home cooks often serve asparagus as whole stalks, and most recipes require minimal cutting. However, you can also peel or cut the vegetable into bite-sized pieces to add to stews, stir-frys, or salads or serve as a side dish.

Follow this simple step-by-step guide for cutting your asparagus:

• Clean the veggie. Thoroughly rinse your asparagus with cold water to clean off lingering pesticides or dirt.
• Place on a cutting board. Lay the asparagus spears out on a chopping board. Line the white ends of the asparagus up, which will make it easier to cut them all at once.
• Trim the white ends. Cut off the white, woody part of the asparagus at the point where the stalk turns green, using a chef’s knife or another sharp knife. The ends are too fibrous to eat, so discard them. If you’re using white asparagus, trim an inch off the woody end of the stalk. Discard the white chopped ends. You're now ready to cook the asparagus to your liking, whether you're making grilled asparagus, roasted asparagus, or steamed asparagus.
• Cut to your preference. Some recipes may only require using asparagus crowns or the tips of the spears. Others may require bite-sized pieces of the stalk. Cut the asparagus at the base of the spear and down the stalk into one-inch, bite-sized pieces.
• Peel, if necessary. Recipes such as asparagus salad require peeling raw asparagus into very fine slivers. To do this, first, trim the woody ends, then use a vegetable peeler lengthwise along the asparagus stalks to shave them into fine slices. Learn how to make asparagus salad at home.

Most home cooks store asparagus in their fridge's crisper drawer in the plastic produce bag from the grocery store. However, storing your asparagus in a container will help it stay fresh for longer. Follow these steps to help keep your asparagus fresh in the refrigerator:

1. 1. Trim: Thoroughly wash your bunch of asparagus under cold water, then dry them with a piece of paper towel or dishcloth. Trim away one inch from the bottom of the stalks or woody ends of the asparagus.
2. 2. Prepare the container: Fill a Mason jar or similarly-shaped container with an inch of water. Place your asparagus in the jar, with the bottom of the stalks (the cut ends) at the bottom of your container, like you would store cut flowers. Next, cover the stalks with a plastic bag and seal the bag around the jar with a rubber band.
3. 3. Refrigerate: Check on your asparagus periodically. Use it within a week or until you notice that the cut sides of the asparagus stalks are mushy.

Fresh asparagus usually has a shelf life of three to five days in the refrigerator. However, if you refrigerate asparagus in a glass jar with a bit of water, it can stay fresh for up to ten days. When the ends of your asparagus spears become dark green and mushy, it’s time to discard them.

To perfect the mother sauces and make French cuisine at home, you must master essential cooking techniques. Discover Chef Thomas Keller’s approach to setting up a home kitchen and sourcing quality ingredients like fish and clams when you sign up for the MasterClass Annual Membership.