Asparagus is another great delicious vegetable coming from the Lily family. So just before we start learning how to steam asparagus, let’s first learn a few things about this healthy vegetable. Asparagus actually grows deep down sandy soils, about a foot down the ground. And do you know that in just one day, the asparagus spears can grow up to ten inches? It’s that fast! It would be best to plant asparagus during the spring and early summer. Each crown you plant will grow spears in about six to seven weeks. They grow pretty fast. In early spring, you can harvest every 4 to 5 days. But as it gets warmer, you will have to get pickings everyday!
What’s great about the asparagus is that it will produce for about 15 years. After harvest season, it will grow into ferns. These ferns in turn produce red berries and nutrients that will feed the plant for another productive next season. But to make the asparagus grow stronger and produce better quality, it would be best not to harvest for the first 3 years. It will make your asparagus have a larger diameter which means better quality. It will allow for a strong fibrous root system that will last for years.
Lastly, before we proceed to cooking or steaming an asparagus, it’s best to know what nutrients we can get from this veggie. Asparagus is a food full of nutrients. It is high in Folic acid. At the same time, you’ll get vitamins and minerals like Vitamins A, B6, and C, fiber, potassium, and thiamin. What’s even better is that if you’re on a diet, asparagus is the answer. It has no cholesterol, no fat, and at the same time, very low in sodium. So to prepare that healthy meal, let’s prepare asparagus by steaming it.
It’s easy to just steam any food just like an asparagus. All you need is a steamer and some water. However, that’s just too plain and bland. Let’s steam asparagus in a more creative way. Prepare a sauce pan or a double boiler. It’s also best to have a strong string available. Grab your sharp scissors, and get your timer ready. Now prepare the ingredients. Prepare your water, about 2 to 3 onions, garlic, and some lemons.
First, clean your asparagus spears in cool water. You have to make sure that you remove all those soil or sand. At the same time, remove about an inch at the bottom of the asparagus by cutting it.
Second, the reason we need a strong tie is to tie our asparagus in bundles. Tie about 10 spears in one bundle. The reason we’re tying them is to let them stand while cooking. The bottom of the asparagus is the tougher area and that needs to be cooked more thoroughly than the tender tips at the top. So after tying the asparagus bundles, place them in the pot or double boiler.
Third, pour water in the pot. Make sure to pour only about two inches of water. Then, add the garlic cloves, sliced onions, and lemon wedges. Bring it to a boil and cover for another 2 to 8 minutes until the color of the asparagus is bright green. Now, you’re ready to eat your steamed asparagus. It would also be great to toss a tablespoon of butter and a pinch of salt to taste.