The Case For Skipping Thin Asparagus At The Grocery Store

All kinds of culinary ingredient myths exist that shape the opinions of home cooks. To quickly clear some of the most common ones up: that red juice leaking out of your steak isn't blood, MSG isn't really bad for you so long as you have it in moderation, and coffee that's labeled "decaf" isn't strictly free of caffeine. However, another fiction persists and has folks buying thin, downright spindly asparagus at the grocery store when they would benefit more from grabbing thicker stalks.

Somewhere along the way, people began to buy into the so-called "common knowledge" that thinner asparagus spears were more tender and flavorful than their thicker counterparts. Yet, this couldn't be further from the truth. Just as the nutritional difference between smaller and larger asparagus stems is marginal, the textural makeup and flavors are similar (though some experts argue that the larger ones might have a slight advantage in both arenas)

This is especially relevant information when it comes to grilling asparagus. Larger pieces not only make turning the spears and keeping them from falling through the grates easier, but because they are bigger, they can sit over high heat longer without overcooking. This way, you get that appetizing smoky char. The same concept applies when roasting the veg. A thicker piece of asparagus will be more likely to come out of the oven tender and moist on the inside while still taking on an enticing crisp on the outside.

While you would be wise to avoid thin asparagus in the grocery store if you plan to grill or roast it, some dishes work for thinner stalks. When the ingredient doesn't need much time over heat, like in stir fries or when incorporated into an omelet, thin asparagus saves you a little time. Still, whichever you choose to go with, both should be appropriately sourced and prepared before they go into a dish.

When shopping for produce in the grocery store, make sure the asparagus has a vibrant green color and stands up stiff. Droopy stalks or heads beginning to open up instead of remaining compact are signs to just keep walking. Asparagus isn't generally cheap, and cooking the veg if it is in subpar condition isn't going to get you the results you want in any dish.

You should also be taking more time to clean your asparagus. Whether you are grilling it or tossing it into a salad, a quick blanch will help to remove any dirt and debris it brought home from the grocery store. It will also accent the vibrant color and do its bit to keep the texture crisp on the outside while tenderizing the inside before you cook the stalks.