Peel asparagus: This is how you can easily remove the peel

Green and white
Peel asparagus correctly: This is how you prepare the seasonal vegetables

Depending on the weather, the first asparagus in Germany is available between March and April – and the last is traditionally at the end of June. Whether the stalks need to be peeled before eating depends on the variety. The following tips will tell you what else you need to consider when preparing.

Green asparagus has a thin skin that softens when cooked and can therefore be eaten without any problems. However, the ends can be woody and should therefore be cut off before cooking or frying – just one to two centimeters is enough. White asparagus, on the other hand, must be peeled because it has a hard and fibrous outer shell that is inedible. Just a few leftover peels are enough to spoil the enjoyment of this fine vegetable. It is all the more important that you proceed carefully when peeling. Below you will find out how you can easily do this and which kitchen utensils are helpful.

Peeling white asparagus: How to do it correctly

It is important that you only peel the asparagus when you want to prepare it (and then eat it). Otherwise the sticks would lose moisture, dry out and lose flavor. To remove the shell, it is best to use a special one Asparagus peeler, which is intended to make your work easier. Please note the following tips:

And another tip: Don’t throw the peels away, as you can make a nice stock out of them – for example as a base for a cream of asparagus soup.

Preparing green asparagus: This is what you need to keep in mind

As already mentioned, green asparagus usually does not need to be peeled before cooking. However, if the stalks are particularly thick, the shell may be a little woodier – especially in the lower third. Here it makes sense to cover the lower part of the outer shell with a Asparagus peeler removed before consumption, the same applies to the woody ends. Here too, you can reuse the bowl afterwards if you like.

Tip: You can find even more ideas for asparagus dishes in this one Recipe book.

Storing asparagus: This way it will last longer

If you have bought fresh asparagus, whether green or white, but want to store it in the refrigerator for a few days, the spears must be kept moist. The best way to do this is to take a clean tea towel, hold it under running water and then wring it out well. Then wrap the unpeeled asparagus in the damp cloth and store it in an (open) container. If you don’t have a tea towel at hand, two layers of kitchen paper serve the same purpose.

Alternatively, the sticks can easily be frozen to make them last longer – or to eat later. In this case, you should peel the asparagus so that you can simply add it frozen to boiling water at a later date and prepare it.

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