As spring breathes new life into the world, there’s perhaps no better emblem of this seasonal renewal than the arrival of local asparagus. With its vibrant green spears poking through the soil, asparagus heralds the end of winter’s dreariness and the beginning of nature’s bounty.

One of the most appealing aspects of asparagus is its versatility in the kitchen. Whether roasted, grilled, sautéed, or served raw, its tender spears lend themselves to a myriad of culinary creations.  Here are our top 10 ways to enjoy Asparagus:

• Grilled Asparagus: Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender. Serve as a side dish or chop it up and add it to salads or pasta.
• Roasted Asparagus: Like grilling, you can roast asparagus in the oven. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at high heat until tender and slightly caramelized.
• Asparagus Soup: Blend cooked asparagus with broth, onions, garlic, and your choice of herbs to make a creamy and flavorful asparagus soup. You can add a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra richness.
• Asparagus Risotto: Add chopped asparagus to your favorite risotto recipe during the last few minutes of cooking. It adds a vibrant color and fresh flavor to the dish.
• Asparagus Salad: Combine blanched asparagus with other spring vegetables like peas, radishes, and spring greens. Toss with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
• Asparagus Stir-Fry: Stir-fry asparagus with other vegetables, tofu, or your choice of protein for a quick and healthy meal. Add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for flavor.
• Asparagus Frittata: Add cooked asparagus to a frittata along with other ingredients like eggs, cheese, and herbs. Bake until set for an easy and satisfying meal.
• Asparagus Pasta: Toss cooked asparagus with pasta, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese for a simple yet delicious pasta dish.
• Asparagus Pesto: Blend cooked asparagus with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil to make a vibrant and flavorful pesto. Use it as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or as a dip for veggies.
• Asparagus Tart: Arrange blanched asparagus spears on puff pastry, then top with cheese and bake until golden and bubbly for an elegant appetizer or light meal.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and cooking techniques!  Go to rumarfarm.ca under the shop online tab and you will be able to purchase fresh picked, certified organic asparagus!

Ruth and Marc, Rumar Farm