Asparagus Spears

Asparagus belongs to the Lily family, which also includes onions, garlic, and leeks. It has been cultivated for centuries and also grows wild in many parts of the world. In Europe, white asparagus is prized; to prevent the spears from developing chlorophyll (turning green in color); the asparagus beds are covered with mulch to keep out the sun. Unlike most vegetables, where the smaller and thinner are the more tender, thick asparagus stalks have more tender volume to the proportion of skin. When Asparagus have been too long in the market, the cut ends will have dried and gone slightly concave. Fastidious cooks scrape asparagus stalks with a vegetable peeler, stroking away from the head, and refresh them in ice-cold water before steaming them; the peel is often added back to the cooking water and removed only after the asparagus is done, this is supposed to prevent diluting the flavor.

Our Earth Exotics™ packaging is unique and is designed for ease of use and with the intent of creating very little waste. Although our packaging is microwave capable, it is not the optimal way to prepare vegetables. We highly encourage you to try other cooking methods such as roasting, sautéing, steaming, and even boiling in some cases. You will find that the vegetables will have a better texture and flavor by utilizing some of these tried and true cooking methods, and will leave you with a better eating experience.

MICROWAVE: Cut corner of bag, microwave on high 4 - 6 minutes.

STEAM: Cut corner of bag, place in steamer over boiling water for 12 - 16 minutes.

BOIL: Remove Asparagus from bag, boil in salted water for 7 - 9 minutes.

Serving size about 1/2 cup (55g)
Servings per container about 4

Calories 25

Fat Cal 2

Amount/Serving % DV* Amount/Serving % DV*

Total Fat 0g 0%
Total Carb. 5g 2%

Sat Fat 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%

Cholest. 0g 0%
Sugars 2g

Sodium 273mg 11%
Protein 2g 5%

Vitamin A 12%
Vitamin C 22%
Calcium 2%
Iron 5%

*Percent Daily Values (DV) are
based on a 2,000 calorie diet

 

SELECTION


Choose firm, brittle spears that are bright green almost their entire length, with tightly closed tips. Stalk thickness is pretty much a matter of person preference.

STORAGE


Earth Exotics™ Asparagus Tips have been washed and are ready to use. It is recommended that the asparagus tips be left in the unopened package until ready to use, however they should be used within 4 days. Asparagus tips should be wrapped in a damp paper towel, refrigerated in a plastic bag after opening.

HANDLING & PREPARATION


Earth Exotics™ Asparagus tips have been pre-trimmed and are ready to use. It is recommended that you cook and eat as soon as you can to preserve the texture, flavor and goodness. If desired; Peel stalks with a vegetable peeler to remove scales. Plunge into cold water to refresh before steaming.