Serving Suggestion
Steam any remaining asparagus and serve on the side.
How to Purchase & Store Asparagus
Asparagus should be green with firm stalks and closed, compact tips. Stalks can be thin or thick; it is a matter of personal preference. To store, stand fresh asparagus spears upright in a container filled with about 1 inch of water. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate. Or, store in refrigerator with a damp paper towel wrapped around base of stalks and cover loosely with a plastic bag. Asparagus is best when cooked the day it is purchased, but will keep up to 3 or 4 days. Wash just before using.
Trimming Fresh Asparagus
Asparagus spears snap off naturally where they are tough. Simply bend the spear near the bottom end and it will break off at the right point. Or, remove an inch or so of the "woody" portion off the bottom of the stalks with a sharp knife.