Why You Shouldn’t Snap the Ends Off Asparagus and Why You Should Overcook It | What's Eating Dan?

Asparagus is such a widely popular vegetable, that even the oldest surviving cookbook features a recipe for it. Dan chats about how it's grown, how to prepare it, and the absolute best ways to cook it.
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[@ArtJorgensen]

When I was 7 or 8 living in rural Michigan, I stumbled across a large field of asparagus on a hillside near our farmhouse. I used to cut some for supper almost every day. One thing I discovered that intrigued me was how fast asparagus will grow. I used to lie down and watch the movement of an asparagus spear as it grew! I'd never seen anything like that before and I'm surprised no one has mentioned it. What a wild experience for a young boy to stumble on in amazement.

[@Kali_Yugahhhh]

😍 luckyyyy

[@helenemahoney5648]

Oh I love that !how children express what they find ?

[@ARCSTREAMS]

"and watch the movement of an asparagus spear as it grew!" are you saying you can watch it growing in a few minutes???

[@ArtJorgensen]

@@ARCSTREAMS Absolutely! You can see it physically move. I was fascinated.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

@@ArtJorgensen well ive seen plant in hawaii that moves when touched but are we talking moving or actually growing before your eyes?

[@AshkenaziChristian]

*For those of you contemplating planting asparagus to eat this summer, know that if started from seed, asparagus will take about 3 years to become productive.* One-year-old asparagus crowns will need two years of growth prior to harvesting and two-year-old crowns, just one year. But as other commenters have typed, once started it doesn't stop!

[@schroeder4930]

Any tips on getting thicker stalks as opposed to thinner?

[@lenabreijer1311]

And make sure you don't plant in heavy clay! After 6 years I still get grass size bolting spears. Last year I saw an spear that looked like it would do but when I returned 2 hours later it had bolted.

[@kenmore01]

@@lenabreijer1311 Don't plant anything in heavy clay!

[@lenabreijer1311]

@@kenmore01 well that is what we have. I added compost and garden soil I got and lots of mulch. Other vegetables do fine, carrots can be a bit stunted and hard to get out of the ground though. We probably should add sand but it is expensive. So my asparagus is basically a pretty perennial fronds, I have given up on them and inter plant flowers and herbs and they make a nice back drop.

[@kenmore01]

@@lenabreijer1311 We used to have that clay too. Look into vermiculite.

[@TheTrock121]

We've been growing Asparagus for 30 years and my favorite recipe is wrapping the largest spears w/ bacon and baking.

[@laureenestabrooks2013]

I have been peeling the stalks and cooking them in a frying pan with a small amount of water. When they are almost tender and the water is gone I add butter, garlic and parmesan cheese. So tender and tastes amazing.

[@jamesduncan578]

Sound yummy, will try that, I usually saute in butter. My wife boils it,???

[@carolinasv525]

Omg this sounds incredible! I’m definitely going to try it as well!

[@jackbrown2752]

Roasted with olive oil, garlic, ginger, shaved onions and cherry tomatoes. Then serve sprinkled with feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon.

[@philipu150]

Roasted. Olive oil, salt, maybe a touch of garlic powder, cayenne. When done, sprinkled with lemon juice. At a restaurant, we once had them deep fried in panko as a munchie. Yum!

[@hypermagical_ultraomnipotence]

I particularly like it that exact way, but sprinkle a mix of cheddar and parmigiano reggiano on it, too. Absolutely delicious, and changed me from hating asparagus to loving it. This said: canned asparagus is still a horrendous crime.

[@bonniesimpson1636]

@@hypermagical_ultraomnipotence Agreed 100%. I think maybe I was late to the party loving asparagus because I grew up watching my dad eat the canned version. Seemed grey and horrible. On our first dinner at home date my now husband made me fresh asparagus. I ate it just to be polite but it started a 20 year so far love affair with this vegetable. Sometimes I eat just a whole plate of roasted asparagus for dinner like french fries, yum!

[@mariashaffer-gordon3561]

A little bit of pepper in addition to the salt, olive oil, and garlic powder. Lemon juice and grated parmesan after cooking are a nice touch. I didn't grow up eating asparagus, but discovered it in college.

[@pamelavance648]

Yesssss to both Had the panko deep fried one wish I could remember where ..it was fantastic

[@PleaseNoMoreFarmhouseDecor]

Chili flakes, couple garlic cloves, white wine vinegar, dill, Himalayan salt, extra virgin olive oil.

[@susanroemer105]

We have a 100+ year old asparagus patch on our Wisconsin farm. The yield is very generous every year. To keep the spears thicker, I pick every one or two days depending on the weather. I pick the asparagus from mid May through early August when I let the plants go to seed. The spears tend to get thinner towards the end of the season, but I still harvest them. I prefer cutting the asparagus with a sharp knife close to the soil to prevent the stalks going to seed early. Steaming the asparagus is the healthy way (low in calories), but we do like to grill them with olive oil, salt, plus garlic and onion powder, too.

[@jodifortner8843]

Lucky you - so easy to grow too!

[@joyceterryhudson71]

My name is Joyce. I planted 1 year old asparagus roots and the next spring I had asparagus popping up and I was able to cut it and grilled it. It was great. I purchased the roots at Tractor supply (TSC). They are available in March. I live in middle Tennessee. I planted them in early spring and the next year I had a lot of asparagus. Last year my husband made our bed twice as big. It’s worth growing your own.

[@joelshore1937]

This reminds me of the large shade over a friend's fenced-in area, where he was growing the tender stalks, protecting the crop from too much direct sun. He pointed to the shade and explained to me, "This is the awning of the cage of asparagus, cage of asparagus..."

[@shariontipler5542]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@deanr3417]

LOL! Took me a second!

[@kirnpu]

Groan. Good one.

[@donnalubrano2856]

Pun of the Year Award Winner🏆🥇🤣

[@notfound379]

Ok Joel. You win. Perfect.

[@annalake7019]

My 6 year old and I love watching ATK and “What’s Eating Dan.” He wants to be a chef one day, just like Dan. At dinner he likes to take a bite and say “this is how to eat (whatever we are eating).”

[@AmericasTestKitchen]

We love this 🥺

[@DanielJSouza]

Haha, that is so cute!

[@denagustafson6070]

❤️

[@ladybug5859]

His girlfriend's and eventually his wife are going to be so lucky no matter what career he chooses Bravo🍤🍗🍝🍛🍢🍜🍮🍋🍉🌽🍠🍆🍍bon appetit 🍽 😋

[@leelaural]

yeah...ATK and those shows associated with it are the best....far superior than the corrupted Food Network and their phony contests...

[@lindaw.3299]

I cut the tougher ends off & put them in my food processor, then use it in soups or other dishes-no waste at all!😊

[@susannevargas5429]

I grew up in Germany with white asparagus. Restaurants have special asparagus menus during the season (April/May). Love the green one that we can buy in the USA all year round. I always snapped it but won't do it anymore after watching this video. Thank you for being informative and fun!

[@KillerCornMuffin]

My favorite way so far has been tossing with olive oil, lemon pepper (and lemon zest if you're up for it), and salt, then baking at high temp, like 400 F for 20-25 minutes until dark and slightly shriveled. They're like asparagus fries and my wife and I love them.

[@nancywheeler7914]

I used to snap, but now I cut. My favorite way to make asparagus is to lay them out on a baking sheet, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake until they smell done (about 10-15 minutes). Yummy

[@Jerry-rf8bn]

Nancy Wheeler: At what temperature do you bake the asparagus? Thank you.

[@andyh9382]

@@Jerry-rf8bn I like 450° and get them crunchy in spots! I often do broccoli and carrots at the same time in the same way. Cauliflower is great roasted with way too. I usually bake a full sheet like that for at least 30min

[@nancywheeler7914]

@@Jerry-rf8bn usually 350-400. It really depends on if I have anything else in the oven at the same time. 😉

[@meggie423]

Needs a bit of garlic,everything else i do the same

[@dask7428]

Can muricans not use cheese on everything for a second

[@lrbraddock]

When we were house shopping, we looked at our present house and learned it had a big garden. I said to the realtor, "If there is an established asparagus bed in that garden, then we will take this house." There was and we did and we are STILL harvesting asparagus! I snap the stalks and have never peeled them but might give it a try after watching your video. Tonight I made macaroni and cheese with portabella mushrooms and asparagus....YUMMY!!

[@goombapizza6335]

Did you serve the mac separately from the portobello and the asparagus, or all mixed together?

[@meetmybrother7854]

Great to know. I often imagine my garden getting bulldozed when I shove off and someone else buys my house.

[@helenemahoney5648]

so do I-they snap off easily!

[@Skeer0]

I never even thought about peeling the ends of the stalks to eliminate those bites where you find yourself chewing forever and end up spitting it out because it's too tough. Great tips! I will be trying the brazing this week.

[@NullRefernce1]

"Great tips", haha

[@nickpappas9858]

Gh

[@MikehMike01]

Pepin was saying to do this decades ago but no one listened I guess

[@stevethea5250]

So why still cut so much off for??

[@Lightharvest-dd2bf]

@@NullRefernce1 😉

[@richardengelhardt582]

I grew up in rural Minnesota. On our large property we had several patches of, presumably wild (though possibly the feral result of a long-forgotten farmer's attempt at a kitchen garden) aspargus that popped up in early May every year in sunny patches of grass at the edge of wooded areas on our land when there was sometimes a little unmelted snow still on the ground. My job as a 4 year old kid, who was always wandering in the woods and meadows and who knew every tree, bush, and twig, was to be on the lookout for the young aspargus shoots hiding in the grass and harvest them for supper. My mother and I loved them raw also steamed or braised with butter. My dad and my younger sister were not so convinced. Still today, 70 years later, asparagus -- along with artichokes -- are my favorite vegetables.

[@Matt-fl8uy]

What an awesome memory! Thank you for sharing.

[@micheleolson9914]

Also in Minnesota, my dad has feral asparagus growing near the dirt road, under large trees. Maybe it's a better survivor plant than we had hoped?!

[@Corntassels]

@@micheleolson9914 I love the idea of feral asparagus! 😆

[@bmccarthy3333]

Back in 3rd grade, around 1964 we had a Show and Tell in class that was "Bring in your favorite food." I brought in artichokes & asparagus (I could not pick only one). I don't think the other kids had ever seen an artichoke before and probably they were only familiar with horrible canned asparagus. To this day- I love the 3 A's - ARTICHOKE, ASPARAGUS, AVOCADO!

[@eileenbrooks-laitinen9778]

I have a very small but productive garden. My asparagus patch has been producing for over 40 years. My spring anticipation...

[@LikeBOOMCA]

Actually, braising asaparagus is the traditional way of preparing it here in germany. We mostly use white asparagus and cook it in a braising liquid made of water, butter, salt and sugar. Serve it with hollandaise, potatoes and a nice piece of fish or a steak. And there you have a beautiful dinner! Also, white asparagus is usually peeled and the peel is used to make a flavorful broth which we use to make the most amazing asparagus cream soup! Man i just love asparagus but it is so expensive

[@mattkuhn6634]

When I was in grad school in Germany, the days when they had Spargelcremesuppe at the Mensa were some of my favorites

[@MBrieger]

You need to go hunting in Grocery stores. Sometimes you can get white Asparagus in the Glass. Positively not as good as the Original. I introduced my American Wife to it and she loved it. There is one BIG problem in this country. Anything kitchen related is positively a challenge.

[@MBrieger]

@@itzel1735 My wife is from Saginaw. She never told me. We live in California. I had my father in law FedEx his smoked Fish to us :)

[@KroK013]

I've been wondering where my in-laws learned to serve asparagus with Hollandaise.

[@praisejesusrepentorlikewis6218]

Repent to Jesus Christ ““Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:38‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Hu

[@annchristensen5001]

I snap, but have been suspicious that I was wasting some asparagus in the process. Thank you for this wonderful, entertaining tutorial!

[@kpwxx]

I also snap because when I cut I find I end up with chewy bits I can't eat but I suspect the peeling suggested here will prevent that! Definitely trying that next!

[@cameronkabinoff9654]

I tend to snap down low on the thickest spear in the bunch, then use that spear to mark where to cut with the rest of the spears. I generally have little waste that way, and often need to cut back a bit more.

[@annchristensen5001]

Thanks, Cameron. Don't want to waste any of this wonderful veggies if I can help it!

[@donnaduprey5197]

I grow my own, and have never had a woody stem. Store bought is a different story. I believe you could safely say it's a question of how long since it was harvested and how it was handled on the way to the store shelf.😊

[@donnaduprey5197]

... meaning I don't cut or snap the ends off of asparagus from my garden EVER 😊

[@m53goldsmith]

As a former snapper, I now only cut the smallest bit off the end. To cook, I cut each stem in half, steam the bottom halves for 5 minutes, then add the top halves for another 5 minutes. Remove from the pot onto kitchen towel to dry a bit, then quickly put onto the plate and drizzle melted butter seasoned with Real Salt (from Utah). Yummmm!

[@mssharonqueen]

Asparagus are my favorite vegetable and I cook it in different forms. Thank you for exposing me to other ways of cooking and for the education portion. Also, thank you farm workers who ensure this tasty vegetable is available to me. Harvesting asparagus is back breaking and I witness it every year

[@glasshousefuture6836]

The funny thing is, me and 1 other particular person I know, we prefer asparagus to be more crunchy, we cook them stovetop in salted butter and olive oil for a few minutes and then enjoy them slightly crunchy without any of the disturbing mush factor

[@johnr797]

Good both ways, imo

[@Dan-F5050]

400 degrees for seven minutes, you’re welcome.

[@glasshousefuture6836]

@R MS TOTALLY agree about the necessary Crunch in the veggies!!! So many people around me Constantly Overcook them to the point of pointlessness. How are they of any health benefit they were intended for, if they're soggy. And so not tasty by that point. Although, I do recognize that cooking them down can certainly add flavor to the dish, which is why I use two sets of veggies when cooking chilis or stews and soups, etc. One set of veggies, I add in the beginning to middle of cooking the meal, and the second set I add right as I'm turning off the eye of the stove. 😋👍🏾HappyCrunchyVeggie!!!

[@mvbigmagic4048]

I've seen some catering companies serve raw asparagus with ranch dip on veggie trays. Yum!

[@artkocsis3317]

Microwave is the easiest and quickest. Two minutes covered with a bit of butter and salt.

[@judigibbs]

I have ALWAYS snapped as my mom did, but seeing how easy it is to keep more asparagus and just peel the tough, stringy bits off I am a convert. Thank you. Very enlightening.

[@timothydempsey5537]

The one thing that my grandparents did that bothers me now is they served us canned asparagus. I thought it was the worst thing ever and made me think it was all like that. It wasn't until I was in my 30's that I tried grilled asparagus. I am now a proud Maker and Smeller so watch out ladies!

[@hippiecowgirl4231]

Canned is disgusting !

[@kpwxx]

I also hated asparagus as a kid because my mum made sandwiches with tinned asparagus and they were all I'd tried

[@thadburill]

My kids love saying "asparagus is hilarious" and love eating it. I like how you bring science and cooking together. Very Alton Brown like

[@weston.weston]

Dan is great at providing commentary and humor, in addition to being a culinary expert. The trifecta!!! I ❤ him here!

[@shariontipler5542]

He is the BEST 😊 I watched ATK but I've never seen this side of him. btw, I once found pickled asparagus in the grocery store. I 💙💙💙 it but was never able to find it again.

[@weston.weston]

@@shariontipler5542 I enjoy asparagus but noticed the smell referenced in the video and therefore avoid it. A suggestion for those who do eat asparagus, It is delicious cooked on the barbecue grill!

[@Karencoraoliviarags]

He sure is

[@DanielJSouza]

Ya'll I'm blushing over here.

[@capers72424]

@@weston.weston I gotta ask, Weston… why eschew something so amazing for a temporary issue?

[@eehyunjae]

Summary: Shouldn't snap off because you can break off too much - suggested replacement technique is to cut off 1 inch and peel (w/ a peeler) around the bottom edges of the stalk. Overcook it because it lets the seasoning permeate into the asparagus.

[@Graybeard_]

In North Central Washington (Okanogan Valley) we have "wild" asparagus that was first planted by the Chinese back in the early twentieth century. It now grows in many fallow fields. It does especially well along the flood plains of the Okanogan river. This "wild" asparagus is so much better than store bought. It is insanely delicious! I put all my asparagus ends in soup.

[@Jackson-ol1vu]

From Winthrop! When I drive to Seattle in sprig I always try to pull off the highway and harvest some

[@heck0272]

Wow!! That sounds amazing!!

[@CabinFever52]

What a great find!

[@judsonkr]

OMG I want some!

[@YurrNext]

I often find it through the methow valley as well.

[@nikkitronic80]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE asparagus!!! Grilled or just on the stovetop with olive oil, a little salt, maybe some garlic powder, and lots of pepper. I planted 16 Martha Washington two year old crowns last spring. Hopefully next year I’ll be able to start to harvest. Asparagus like to be left alone in the garden for at least two or three years before harvest. But once they’re there, you’ll be eating garden fresh spears for years to come! Oh and Im a maker and a smeller

[@donaldmulrooney942]

Thanks for the ideas. I have been growing our asparagus patch for 35 years, my neighbour gave me the roots and I have no idea how long he had been growin his patch. Every year I dig up and split the roots in any spots where the spears are too thick and crowded. I have transplanted them all over the yard, we also plant the seeds, so now there are several patches.

[@sealyoness]

Whenever we went to see the grandparents in the spring, our mom would have Dad stop on a certain country road. We'd all get out and pick the asparagus growing along the ditch. Good times. I'll keep your experience at hand when I start a new bed. Thanks.

[@Weezii668]

@@sealyoness My Dad did the same thing ('60's). I guess with so much use of herbicides along roads that's probably no longer an option. Oh well, I still have great memories and a lifelong love of asparagus.

[@billlewis8711]

Well thanks for solving that mystery for me - We always wondered who was helping themself to the asparagus patches we planted!!

[@KatiTheButcher]

Thanks for the brine tip before grilling. Never thought about it. Going to pair it with terryaki beef filet.

[@aileenhampton6911]

So good to see Dan live! Like, better than just a serious illustration. He's a cool person!

[@muffingurl911]

I love asparagus!! Thanks for showing it's diversity! I used to snap them...I will now cut! I do peel, but never brined them. Excited to try!

[@pierre-oliviercayetanot4768]

I'm French from Alsace and I never had grilled asparagus, we usually boil them and eat them with some mayonnaise or vinaigrette. Also asparagus soup is the best, with some mushrooms and cream !

[@christinemeleg4535]

You are making me soo hungry !!!!

[@tzaphkielconficturus7136]

"I'm French from Alsace" So was his asparagus garden, apparently.

[@markopalikko6986]

Oohhh, asparagus soup! Sounds great 👍.

[@markopalikko6986]

@@sabinesears2065 sounds great, I'm from Helsinki Finland. We now live in Canada. Cheer's

[@bbaucom2]

Grilled is amazing. But I like them any way you can cook them.

[@mrbigg7255]

I chop the asparagus, chopped baby Bella mushrooms, fresh garlic, 2 tablespoons of butter, and a splash of water in a covered sauce pan. Roughly ten minutes cook. Add a splash of heavy cream. Season to taste. Delicious.

[@hlpml]

I was on the fence but you got me there at the end... "heavy cream"

[@janettemasiello5560]

Sounds wonderful ! I think I'd prefer it without the cream.

[@laffgirl49]

Dan is great! The writing of his show is wonderful. Really enjoy his performances.

[@Cheggley45]

When I was a very young lad, say 4-5 years old, I would go with my grandparents and pick asparagus along the canal banks in my farming community. A couple large paper grocery bags of asparagus was our usual take! I continued this practice with my own children and my wife would make cheesy asparagus soup with bacon, delicious! I now live in an area where there is no asparagus except in the grocery stores but I still love it! Excellent video!

[@davidonfim2381]

1:34 Interestingly, anthocyanins are not responsible for the color of beets (as shown in one of the photos). Beets are part of the Caryophyllales order, which use a different class of pigments- betalains. Other members of the Caryophyllales which get their reddish color from betalains are cacti, amaranth, bougainvillea, and even weird little things like venus flytraps.

[@blackmber]

Wow I’m so glad I’m not the only one who wanted to “um, actually” on a photo that appeared for a fraction of a second of the video. Haha. Thanks for the PSA

[@DanielJSouza]

Great catch, David. You are spot on.

[@davidonfim2381]

@@johrathbun no, the color of blueberries comes from anthocyanins, not betalains. Blueberries, being so heavily pigmented, have among the highest concentrations of anthocyanins in common fruits. That's why many people consider them to be so healthy.

[@wernerbeinhart2320]

@@davidonfim2381 who was talking about blueberries?

[@davidonfim2381]

@@wernerbeinhart2320 "joh King", who apparently deleted his comment.

[@CyclingChefDiane]

I also grew up harvesting asparagus from the garden :) My grandma would take this beautiful, freshly harvested crop and... saute it in a lb of butter for 20-30m. It was basically asparagus butter. and it was glorious on toast :) I could get behind the braise method. Feels nostalgic.

[@JJ-vs8qz]

Now that sounds amazing! I am not into the mushy spears but mashed on top of a crusty piece of sourdough sounds delish

[@rejoyce318]

My life with Asparagus: Snapper b/c "that's the way we always did it." Growing up, asparagus was my favorite vegetable for my birthday dinner. Every year. I will keep my counsel where I fall on the after-party scale, but the Myers-Briggs comparison made me laugh. Judy Blume also wrote a description of the after-effects of broccoli in one of the Fudge books. That was a giggle-worthy read-aloud. All I can think of when I see white asparagus is Bunnicula.

[@dreamlife2351]

🌺thank you for this information. I love that you included cooking instructions too ✨

[@patriciaaturner289]

One of my favorite Japanese restaurants adds asparagus to the list of veggies to batter and fry up as tempura. Dipped in their tasty, umami laden dipping sauce, OMG, wonderful!!

[@nickyonstilts128]

In South Philly I had tempura battered asparagus with a Dijon Hollandaise sauce. That was awesome!

[@swakyaby3339]

My 3 favorite green vegetables to make tempura at home: asparagus, green beans, and broccoli. Served with home made tempura dipping sauce. Vegetables transformed!

[@toneenorman2135]

swak yaby Do you then deep fry in a wok? What oils do you use? Thank you!

[@tallard5911]

When I was a kid the backyard backed up to a ravine that was a railroad right of way. Asparagus grew at the edge of the yard. My mother was in heaven! We had asparagus at least once a week for months. I hated it, still do. My dad was ok with it once or twice a year, but my mom was so happy.

[@MystiqueULH]

Being from Germany my grandfather and later I would go to the open market that was 3 times a week in my home town. All the farmers from around the area came to sell their produce. We always looked for the white asparagus and the heads could not be discolored. After bringing it home (and trust me asparagus was not cheap due to the extra work of having to keep it covered so no color would show) my mom would cut off the ends peel it and then bundle them with some thread and cook them in salt water. When the asparagus was nice and tender she made a false hollandaise sauce to go with it. The sauce was made with milk, flavored with salt some nutmeg and butter and then after this mix was hot thickened with an egg yolk, cornstarch and heavy whipping cream that was mixed and then slowly poured into the hot milk mix and stirred till it was thickened. Then the sauce was poured over the asparagus and served. The same recipe btw goes well for cauliflower too which I am having tonight. Unfortunately getting white asparagus here in the US is almost impossible and I wish it was offered more often. The canned kind can not compete with the fresh kind at all. In Germany we even have a special Asparagus server as you can see here loeffelland.de/en/products/versilberter-spargelheber-besteck-zur-82699

[@aurorakangaspuu]

I have always been über-revolted by the sight of white asparagus from the very first time I saw a photo in a magazine. The stalks look like worms to me. My reaction was immediate & continues. It pains me that white asparagus is supposed to be a delicacy; I know I will never be able to eat it. I do, however, adore green asparagus, especially pencil-thin, tender stalks.

[@equestanton1017]

@@aurorakangaspuu Thats unfortunate for you. I've never heard of that syndrome before. Any other foods? What about Lychees looking like boiled ox eyes? I think most people think the fat white ones look like penises to be frank with you, only more delicious.

[@equestanton1017]

That's my kind of heaven. The green ones taste and smell like cat urine. they miss that divine asparagus flavour entirely.

[@MystiqueULH]

@@aurorakangaspuu Try to get over it because it is delicious especially with the sauce that I make with it

[@aurorakangaspuu]

@@MystiqueULH I am 100% positive your asparagus dish, with your special sauce, is at least passable. But, I eat with my eyes, & I can so easily get turned off on a food item. I know I will never be able to eat white asparagus - again, those stalks look like over-fed, sickly-pale, blind, eyeless worms you find slithering in soil. Likewise, I cannot eat those tiny larvae-like shrimp. I do love specialty food, often costly, & indulge often. White asparagus looks sickly, deformed & creepy.

[@lisarechkemmer1421]

I grew up with homegrown asparagus and it was my job to weed the patch and then harvest it! I LOVE asparagus. I have had the white variety while stationed in Germany and really didn't care for it. Now to your question- I use to cut the ends but then read an article and began snapping it and noticed a fair amount of loss so now I am going back to cutting the ends and checking. I have never braised it but will try it but more so, I want to make the raw salad and peel it!!! Great video!

[@Your-Least-Favorite-Stranger]

I inspect each piece to decide where best to cut then go from there. I like to cut the stalks into 2 inch pieces (heads/crowns always left intact) then saute in butter with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Serve once the stalks are tender and just begin to wrinkle. I never peel them - I like the slight bite that outer layer gives each piece.

[@samnate21]

I don’t even waste the 30% of the end after cutting. I lightly peal the end and cook. Great video !

[@tedstarr7942]

I trim about 1/2 inch from the end of one stalk, and bite the cut end to see if it is edible or inedible. This is most reliable guide to see where to to cut. If your wife must insist on using the wasteful snap method, I save the offcuts and check as above. Excellent to cut on bias for stir fries.

[@rebeccadanger9214]

Thank you so much for this video!! Asparagus is easily in my top 5 favorite veggies and now I have several new things to try with it!!

[@dawnm1966]

My favourite is wrapping the stalks in prosciutto and baking them on a sheet. The prosciutto is crispy and salty, and the asparagus is so tender! Very interesting video! Thanks!

[@karenthorsteinson4258]

This is one of the best and most informative America’s Test Kitchen videos that I have ever watched- great job!

[@richbl_channel]

Great to see that there are others who cut instead of snap. I usually inspect my asparagus bunch to determine where to make that optimal cut (not always 1 inch from the bottom: could be more, could be less), and go from there.

[@akabga]

My grandmother used to make me asparagus. It was my favorite side, growing up. I'm definitely going to try to grow some. Thanks for the tips.

[@ruthslone2992]

I became an expert wild asparagus hunter while working with a mowing crew in my 20’s. Apparently the seeds pass through the birds’ digestive tract, and fall beneath the power lines where they perch, and are fertilized by the excrement. (My dad told me that bit of trivia!) Our crew had amazing salads that we threw together with leftover meats and veggies we brought from home gardens. Delicious and different every day!

[@LucienHughes]

That's how most fruit seeds are distributed!

[@PopROCKSLive]

it's amazing how you can learn something new about something you've eaten your entire life. Thank you for this video.

[@2AZSUN]

As of this vid post, I'm now a reformed snapper. I'll be a cutter from this day forward! Thank you Dan for reforming my ways. I've never peeled, but worth a try now as well. How have we lived so long without this critical information?? It feels like Dan was holding out on us.

[@stephenkovaka266]

Thank You! I have always just steamed asparagus, so thanks for opening my eyes to the many delicious possibilities.

[@tnijoo5109]

I’m 43 and I’ve never had raw asparagus before. Will be trying on salad. Thank you.

[@cindyholmes4354]

I have always been a snapper, it was a rule. I hated the waste, now I know I have options! YAY. Thanks a bundle!!

[@billlewis8711]

Funny how much we are creatures of habit in the way we are taught, resisting much too long the new direction we know we should take!

[@cindyholmes4354]

@@billlewis8711, Yes, I am a Republican now, too! Yay asparagus!!

[@darkhelmet4279]

If you snap make soup with your leftover veggies!

[@DOOMJESUS]

DON'T LISTEN TO THIS GUY. DO NOT EAT ASPARAGUS RAW, IT NEEDS TO BE COOKED IN ORDER FOR THE BODY TO ABSORB THE NUTRITION. ALSO THE BOTTOM PART THAT WON'T SNAP IS INDIGESTIBLE AND IT WILL CLOG YOUR COLON AND YOU WILL HAVE TO PULL IT OUT MANUALLY, UNPLEASANT. ALSO THE BEST WAY TO COOK IT IS IN THE OVEN IN OIL OR BUTTER. BUT IN A PAN YOU CAN COME CLOSE IF YOU COOK IT SLOWLY. DO NOT USE EXTRA MOISTURE AND DO NOT STEAM IT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

[@cynthianichols1194]

just start trying to snap from the very bottom, and keep moving up until it DOES snap. no wastage that way. Then into a bag in the freezer with the fibrous stem bits to save up for soup stock.

[@BrendaHendrickson]

Please don’t ever stop making videos like this, Dan!!

[@catic15]

I cut the ends, trim off the tips, and cut the rest into matchsticks. Then stir fry in oil and butter, with garlic and salt. SO good!

[@aileenhampton6911]

Sounds like way too much work.

[@NonnaYolanda]

A Chinese friend of mine taught me this years ago. With a sharp chef's knife, I gently tap tap tap from the bottom of the spear up. The knife sinks in just at the beginning of the tender area.

[@mustloveeyeshadow7799]

I saute in butter and olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper. Large spears. Brown on side and flip and brown the other. By the time your done you have a lovely browned butter sauce to go on top. It creates a delicious nutty taste without the overcooked texture from the braised asparagus.

[@ItsThatMilkshake]

Too much fat for me.

[@milanice5730]

Looove asparagus, looove this video and the wonderful cooking tips from you as well as from your viewers! I’m a snapper, but I don’t throw away anything. I toss the ends in a bag of vegetable peelings and stems that I keep in the freezer to flavor my future homemade stock. 😋

[@JenniferSmith-eb2do]

After trying the various ways, this is what I’ve settled on, too. 😊 The most reliable to get luxuriously tender spears.

[@BinaPgh412]

Not only was this interesting, it was funny as well. Great way to keep me watching. I absolutely love asparagus and learned something new as well. I cut mine at the bottom and will be using my veggie shaver too now. Thanks for posting!!

[@johnellis1952]

The easiest way to add asparagus to a meal in less than 3 minutes is to rinse 10-12 spears , trim 1 inch off the bottom and place them in a microwave-safe dish with about 3 Tbsp of water...cover the dish and microwave on high for 2-1/2 minutes. They will be tender and ready to eat (or braise with butter and garlic). Yum!!

[@artkocsis3317]

That is what I do with a bit of butter and a sprinkle of salt.

[@the_hiroman]

Would add stir fry. Takes the best of braising while keeping them a bit charred and firm.

[@Draemn]

I can't believe there was no mention of frying in a pan with a bit of butter and some garlic. Still, a well done and entertaining video to watch

[@Kristinapedia]

that's how I cook it but I use oil spray or olive oil. I usually add garlic and rosemary.

[@GLesbihonest]

My favorite way with some lemon pepper.

[@walkr7998]

nah you need to spend a couple hours braising, cutting, and peeling! /s

[@MyOver50]

Nothing wrong with the traditional way, but I find it interesting to sometimes use other options to see what I'm missing. :)

[@Draemn]

@@GLesbihonest I forgot about lemon pepper. Delicious indeed

[@dojo1]

I treat it like a florist treats flowers. Cut off the hard, dry ends - all in a bunch. Put some water in a container that will fit all the stems - asparagus bouquet. Loosely cover the bunch with a plastic produce bag left open at the bottom, then refrigerator. They stay fresh, like roses in a florist's refrigerator. Fastest, simple fixing: break them into bite size pieces, rinse the lot, shake them out, and microwave them for about 2 minutes, in 1 minute increments. Longer if you have a big bunch. 1 minute, stir - 2nd minute, and done tender crispy. Splash vinaigrette, or any other seasoning on them, Spike? Butter? Aoli on the side? whatever. The microwave (covered but with a steam hole) steams them quickly in their own juice.

[@bikergirl1756]

I love your videos Dan (the food science man)! I cut & lightly peel asparagus, and I can't wait to try the salad you made! Thanks!

[@davidgagnon2849]

When SNAPPING I have NEVER had a woody stem. When cutting them, I always have several. And if you hold both hands close together at the end of the stalk, it either breaks or it doesn't. Move up the stalk until it does. Perfect stalk for cooking and eating.

[@Solitude11-11]

I do the same! And…I chew the cut end of the snapped off bit to make absolutely sure I haven’t missed a bit 😄

[@professorr.5427]

Exactly, David. I felt like I was cooking "wrong" hearing from Dan. You saved me. 🤣

[@heathermiller1248]

I agree, no stringy tough ends when snapped, when I don't, it's practically dental floss......also. I've started saving the ends and dehydrating them, then making powder from the dried ends. It can be used to flavor soups.

[@davidgagnon2849]

@@heathermiller1248 what a great tip. Asparagus powder. You’re a genius!

[@islandgrl2005]

@@heathermiller1248 - Awesome tip!

[@MRSketch09]

Interesting. .. I just learned something To get tender asparagus, peel it... I literally never knew. Thanks for doing this video. Was more interesting than I expected.

[@mikemondano3624]

Literally literally, or figuratively literally?

[@MRSketch09]

@@mikemondano3624 "Literally"... my dad was telling me how much he loved Asparagus, & I tried cooking it, & thought it was horrible, he never told me, you had to "Peel" the skin on the vegetable like you do a potato or any other veggie.. So what happened, was not only did I do it wrong, but I over cooked the asparagus, so I had a soft mush inside, and the fiber on the outside, still sucked.. in "mouth feel" it was like trying to eat wood fibers.

[@susanrobertsen3667]

Agree.

[@mikemondano3624]

@@MRSketch09 If you pick the right stalks, you won't need to peel them, either. It's not easy to tell sometimes, but the younger ones are always tender.

[@susanwalker5448]

I grew up in Hadley, MA -- definitely the Asparagus Capital of the World -- until, sadly, the Hadley grass was devastated by fusarium (root rot). When I was a kid just about the entire town was out on the fields by 5 a.m in the spring, picking grass. The town school even opened later during Asparagus season so kids could pick asparagus, go home and shower, then get to school. I've been a lifelong snapper, but will definitely try the cutting method after watching this video. I just hope my Babcia isn't rolling over in her grave by this act of asparagus treachery!

[@greglongphee2034]

Here's another one courtesy of Mustard's Bar and Grill. Trim and peel enough asparagus to allow 5-6 stalks per serving. Blanche in salted water for 4-5 minutes and plunge into ice water to stop further cooking. Marinate in the fridge for 3-4 hours in a raspberry vinegar vinaigrette. Place the spears on a salad plate with a little of the vinaigrette. Add some grated Asiago cheese and serve as an appetizer.

[@carolinasv525]

Yuuuuummmm!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@Theo-1984]

I prefer to just toss the green asparagus into a a pan with hot olive oil, let it sir from two sides (getting the top brown is the best), let it sit outside for a bit then cover with lemon juice. Et voilá! And in regards to your question. I cut it. Don't even bother to peel, I do like some crunchiness added to the skin.

[@greeneyes2256]

We’ve been braising asparagus all of our married life, 50 years. We don’t like it crispy, we like the luxurious, silky spears that pair well with a Hollandaise sauce, and bits of a good prosciutto.

[@sherryscher206]

Your presentation was ADORABLE! What a pleasure to listen to your relaxed, informative message. I will definitely try to stop SNAPPING!

[@philippointon3692]

I was also lucky enough to have a neighbor with a well established garden of asparagus. I had always learned to cut the end off, and peel up the stalk a bit for maximum tenderness. But I was spoiled, we would cut it off, and immediately begin cooking it. We would also can a reasonable quantity once the garden began shutting down for the winter. Christmas canned asparagus was a delicious treat!

[@kimmydelvalle5594]

I cut my asparagus and my favorite way to cook is steam them and dress with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. I also grill them with olive oil, salt and pepper and once off the grill a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.😋

[@carolmelancon]

Glad you mentioned that "Oh, yeah; I had asparagus for dinner" moment. I'm obviously a Maker and a Smeller. My favorite dip/sauce for asparagus and artichokes (I'm sure there's a name for it, but a neighbor mom showed me how to make this when I was 6 years old and introduced me to artichokes): Per person: one raw egg yolk, one capful of apple cider vinegar, salt to taste (I like a lot, maybe 1/2 tsp., helps thicken it). Stir vigorously. My sister adds mayonnaise, but I prefer it without. This was in the '60s but I guess now I must add the raw egg disclaimer: consumption of raw eggs may increase your risk of food-borne illness.

[@ranstra12]

I bought some asparagus the other day. I had no idea how to cook them, so I washed them, cut off the ends, put in frypan with salt and chicken broth, cooked 10-12 minutes, drained and poured melted butter on top. They were tender and delicious. And yes.. I could smell them after I ate them. 😁

[@CaptainFabulous84]

I roast asparagus on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Comes out amazing. No snapping, no peeling, tho I will cut off any visibly woody ends. Really surprised you didn't mention roasting.

[@yunengdahl3675]

Yes! It's really the only way I cook them, although sometimes I'll also add a little grated parm. Pop them in the oven and I'm free to finish making my other dishes stove top

[@kenmore01]

Same, but I cut off the bottoms. I'm cheap and don't like wasting perfectly good (and somewhat expensive) things. Snapping always seemed so wasteful to me. 400 degrees works well.

[@flaviacotton5029]

I'm trying this tonight. Can't wait to try it.

[@sarapawsonherrington2595]

I grew up with asparagus in the yard too, and I think the childhood availability helps create the adults who love to eat it.

[@sqshhm]

I don't think I ever tried asparagus until I was at least in my teens, but it's one of my favourite vegetables now!

[@GreenHouseRunnerWellness]

So nice...I love this and have to definitely have to try. Thanks!

[@susanbrennan5511]

Loved this video! Love asparagus! Finally learned about the smell thing. I want asparagus NOW!

[@al007italia]

I love asparagus. There are two prefered ways for me. Cooked in my cast iron pan with a mixture of butter & olive oil with salt & pepper. Or cut into small pieces & cooked like before & then make a frittata. Put freshly grated parmigiano regiano or pecorino romano. hen either eaten by itself or on a piece of toasted Italian bread. The post eating smell isn't the greatest but reminds me of how much I enjoyed the meal.

[@nancyrobinson2647]

I learned years ago that blanched then ice water chilled asparagus is a fabulous addition to a crudite platter with dip. Yum!

[@lolitamartens]

My first favorite vegetable is asparagus, and I enjoy it in all the ways you showed. I don't care for it as a soup, not a mush soup fan. Thanks, Dan!

[@timtato5995]

This asparagus plating tip was awesome, since I started digging up the garden a few days ago to build a vegetable patch! Thank you!

[@adamthemute]

- Cast iron on HIGH heat. Put dry asparagus in when pre-heated. **No oil yet** - Give the pan shakes and redistribute the asparagus, you're looking for a deep char like when grilling. - When they're still a bright green and nicely blackened in spots, test one with your knife in the thickest part. - When they're al dente, remove from heat, carefully splash maybe a 1/2 - 1 tsp or so of oil and shake to combine. Could smoke a bit at this point. - Immediately season with salt and pepper (fresh pink pepper is nice), it'll stick now. - Don't leave in pan, it'll continue cooking.

[@brettlehman1114]

Now I'm hungry.

[@dcmc7383]

This is how I like my asparagus as well. Slightly charred, tender-crisp, with nice salt and pepper. Sometimes I add a silky Hollandaise...especially for brunch.

[@adamthemute]

@@dcmc7383 Hollandaise is perfect I'm just too lazy for that! Might just top with a fried/poached egg and a sprinkle of fresh tarragon or chives instead.

[@dcmc7383]

@@adamthemute Haha. I am too. Too much whisking and worrying about scorching. I do the 1-minute Hollandaise in a wide-mouth mason jar and an immersion blender....then i just heat it up in the mason jar in a water bath. #easypeasy

[@supergeek1418]

@@dcmc7383 Me too. 142f in an immersion circulator warms it nicely with no chance of curdling.

[@williamlehtola1793]

Dan is a great teacher - it is so easy to listen to his explanations - and fun to watch - as a former supervisor of teachers - he earns five stars *****

[@cindyreuter4220]

I cut, snapping never seemed right. I also juice it and put asparagus juice in my smoothies. Never tried peeling but makes perfect sense. I will try this next. Thanks

[@pw1889]

In the 1980s, a group of us camped along a river in southern Utah. We collected enough wild asparagus to feed the group nightly for a week! It was thin, tender, and delicious.

[@cynthianichols1194]

Right?? So sweet you almost feel bad cooking them!

[@tennmcclain]

I have never tried the asparagus ribbons. Looks so yummy. Asparagus is my favorite vegetable. I roast or braise it. I will try the brining. What a smart way to season it.

[@OrlaQuirk]

I always commandeer the ends removed from asparagus and freeze them in a bag. I put a few pieces in when I'm making a nice chicken bone broth. They impart a delicate flavor to the broth. I bet peelings would have some flavor to give me, as well. Thanks for this useful video!

[@aartudituu8215]

You may want to rethink that chicken bone broth. Some studies suggest that it may be the cause of rheumatoid arthritis... Something about "we don't break down that type of collagen very well," or something... I'm still gathering data...

[@OrlaQuirk]

@@aartudituu8215 thank you for the "heads up."

[@mrsreynolds711]

I'm pretty much crazy about every food lesson Dan offers - brilliant And entertaining!

[@floydblandston108]

I've had my own patch for 20+ years and you're skipping the killer app of asparagus season- the fritatta. Quality butter, fresh asparagus, and the kind of giant orange yolk eggs your grass scratching hens produce during asparagus season combine with the smallest amount of ham and some hearty toast to make some of the years best eating, especially with a bit of flavorful cheese melted on top- gently though! Asparagus is the star, eggs are chorus- the rest is set design. An acidic beverage- coffee/juice/chilled white wine, Mimosa or Bloody Mary depending on taste and temperence- makes a perfect accompanist. : )

[@Seskoi]

Man you're getting my mouth watering !!! Sounds delicious.

[@Kj-yu9cb]

Love Love Love Asparagus ❤️ ❤️. Especially great when you're in a pinch. Also, I learned from RRay to prep them then stick in a glass w/water covered with a Baggie into fridge & they'll last freshly quite longer . 😀 In a real hurry... pop them in a shallow container small amount of water , whole or cut & microwave briefly. (Microwaves vary) Then dress them or add to whatever you've got cooking. 🤗 Thanks Dan for answering some questions re:color, thickness & history. 🥰

[@jamjar5716]

I consider the bottom of the asparagus the "handle" to hold while eating from the tip down! This was a very informative episode and hilarious also!!😊

[@karenreaves3650]

I like that, asparagus handles.

[@RN4Veterans]

Same here! They are very good freshly picked!

[@CabinFever52]

My grandmother grew up in the late 1800s and etiquette of the time said it was finger food. That followed us all my years, no matter what the recent times may say. Now I'm over here in Europe where almost EVERYTHING is eaten with a fork and knife. So---there I am.

[@clarepover4978]

Interesting cooking methods of asparagus and for consumption: we always held the end in between thumb and 2/3 fingers to eat asparagus. A small bowl of lemon water was set at the top of the plate for finger "cleansing". Fingers only - unknown to used knife and fork!

[@datsuntoyy]

Me too. If you chew down your teeth will tell you exactly where the woody part starts. Just bite it off at that point.

[@dillonreichel191]

Never even thought of peeling/braising, trying it right now. Thanks for the information and stories 👍🏼👍🏼

[@bobfore3839]

This video came out at the perfect time. A friend of ours has an acrea fiefd of asparagus. We pick every single day and end up with tons of the perfect vegetable! We are always looking for different ways to prepare it. Thanks Dan.

[@hippiecowgirl4231]

Lucky you !! 😀

[@Mapletime]

A love to coat mine with some oil, salt, and pepper, then grill into it gets some color. Finish with lime juice. The crisp tip and the roasty base are such a flavorful combination.