Asparagus Tips and Recipes for Spring

Buying

Look for crisp, rigid stalks with no signs of wrinkling or yellowing. Tips should be firm with no dark, wet spots.

Storing

Store upright in refrigerator like a bouquet of flowers with stalk bases submerged in water. If possible, remove rubber bands.

Cleaning

Place in a large bowl of cold water and swirl to loosen any sand or dirt. Use two changes of water, if necessary, then lift out.

White Asparagus

White asparagus must be peeled starting 2 inches (5 cm) below the tips. Double strokes should remove the woody exterior.

Raw

Superfresh green asparagus is delicious raw, either on a crudité platter or shaved into strips with a Y-peeler and added to salads.

White Asparagus with Smoked Salmon & Hollandaise

White asparagus and hollandaise go together like peanut butter and jelly. Add creamy new potatoes and silky smoked salmon, and you’ve got this delightful spring lunch.

WHAT TO SERVE

Reif Estate Riesling VQA

White asparagus is worshipped in Germany and invariably paired here with Riesling. The wine’s inherent acidity is so food-friendly.

Chilled Crab & Asparagus Salad with Miso Dressing

The delicate flavours of asparagus and crab are a natural pairing. For this springtime recipe, they’re punched up with an umami-rich dressing of miso, mayo and green onion.

WHAT TO SERVE

Henry of Pelham Sauvignon Blanc VQA

Asparagus has a delicious affinity for a bright, herbal Sauvignon Blanc—and so do the other components of the dish such as ginger, lemon and crab.

Asparagus Cooked in Cream & Parmesan

This rich, cheesy side dish cooks the asparagus directly in the sauce for a simple one-pan wonder.

WHAT TO SERVE

Inniskillin Pinot Grigio VQA

A crisp, light Pinot Grigio with melon, citrus and nutty notes will balance the richness of the dish without overwhelming its subtle flavours.

Japanese-Style Asparagus Risotto with Sesame-Crusted Scallops

Combining Japanese flavours with Italian technique creates an unforgettable main course to wow guests on a Saturday night.

WHAT TO SERVE

Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi DOCG

Gavi’s refreshing tang will cut the risotto’s creamy texture, while the wine’s grapefruit and fennel notes match well with the recipe’s flavours.

Asparagus Checkerboard Tart

Perfect on a brunch buffet, this showstopper can be made an hour in advance and served room temperature.

WHAT TO SERVE

Louis Jadot Chardonnay Bourgogne AC VINTAGES

White Burgundy has the well integrated acidity to balance a rich dish, while its typical citrus, herbal and toasted nut notes find echoes in the recipe’s flavours.