How long to cook asparagus?

It is well known that asparagus is a source of many valuable vitamins and minerals. The cauliflower season is far too short, so be sure to reach for it as often as possible. How to prepare these nutritious vegetables so that they stay soft and firm at the same time, retain their unique flavor, nutritional value and look beautiful on your plate?

How long to cook asparagus?

There are both green and white asparagus to choose from, and the whole secret to their excellent flavor lies in the length of cooking. Before you start cooking them, you still need to prepare them properly. Green asparagus does not need to be peeled, but white asparagus should be de-fibered. For both varieties, it is advisable to cut off the woody end. Place the vegetables upright, preferably in a tall pot, and pour in the water so that the heads stick out above the surface. This is because they are the most delicate part and just need to soften under the influence of steam.

You can also tie them loosely with thread so they stand upright and cook evenly. If it is not possible to arrange them vertically, they can be placed evenly on the bottom of the pot. Add a teaspoon of salt, sugar and a little butter to taste. Depending on the color of the asparagus, you need to pay special attention to the preparation time. Greens should cook for about 3-4 minutes, while white should cook for about 7 minutes. A generally accepted rule of thumb is that the thicker the asparagus, the longer it should be cooked. But it’s important not to overcook them, as they will become too soft and will melt not only in your mouth but also on the plate, which will make them look bad. Cook the asparagus with a lid over medium heat. If the vegetables are in the position lying in the pot, then there is no need to cover it. Perfectly cooked asparagus has a vivid green or, in the case of the white variety, a creamy color and is crunchy. This can be checked with a fork. It should easily penetrate the vegetable, but not make it fall apart. Asparagus prepared this way is ready to serve.