I am reminded it's spring because the calendar says it is. But what do you do on those days when the weather says otherwise, like all this rain lately? I suggest bringing spring into your kitchen with ingredients that say spring flavor. What first comes to mind is asparagus. It's so versatile; you can steam, sauté, roast, and, if you must, fry it—preferably tempura.
Some conversational tidbits to keep in your pocket for your next dinner party or in a packed elevator:
- Asparagus comes from the ancient Persian word asparag, meaning a sprout. The ancient Egyptians cultivated asparagus and dedicated it as an offering to numerous gods. It must have been considered significant back then. And the Romans have an expression, "Velocius quam asparagi coquantur" - meaning, faster than you can cook asparagus.
In the 1890s, it was a rare and expensive vegetable in the United States, but cultivation helped tame the price.
- It was inevitable that the asparagus should be considered an aphrodisiac given its shape, which an Elizabethan writer remarked 'manifestly provoked Venus.'’
Asparagus is a young edible shoot commonly known as a "spear." The spear rises from an underground stem called a "crown," which can produce spears for 15 to 20 years. Most asparagus is harvested in spring when it is 6 to 8 inches high and has tender, fleshy spears and tight, compact heads. Once it reaches maturity, the asparagus stalks become woody, and fernlike foliage grows from the heads, making them inedible.
Ricotta Asparagus Bruschetta
Tips:
Although grown on quite a large scale and in many countries, asparagus is available in abundance from March to late June. There are over 300 varieties of asparagus, and only 20 are edible.
They are divided into three main categories:
Green asparagus. This is the most common type of asparagus. It is harvested at a height of about 8 inches.
White asparagus. Grown in the dark (covered with soil to keep it from turning green), white asparagus is harvested as soon as it emerges from the ground. Although more tender than the green variety, it tends to be less flavorful and is more expensive since more work is required to grow it.
Purple asparagus: This variety has a fruity flavor and is harvested when only 2 to 3 inches high.
How to buy asparagus:
Whether asparagus is thin or thick, choose them with firm, crisp stalks and compact, brightly colored heads with no trace of rust or softness. The bottom of the stalk should be moist when squeezed, not dry and woody. Avoid yellowish asparagus with soft stalks beginning to flower, as these are signs that it is old.
Store asparagus vertically in 1 inch of water in a container, stem-side down, in the refrigerator.
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AS SEEN ON PUBLIC TELEVISION & CREATE TV- SEASON ONE
FEATURING CHEF GEORGE HIRSCH DEMONSTRATING HIS SAVORY COOKING, BAKING AND GRILLING RECIPES; WITH HIS EXPERT CULINARY TIPS & TECHNIQUES, ALONG WITH VISITS TO HIS INSPIRING HAMPTON LOCATIONS.
LIMITED OFFER, LIMITED EDITION, signed by Chef George.
From the original Grilling TV Series host, 200 Fabulous Recipe—Celebrating the joyous rituals of sharing food at year-round festivities, the star of PBS's Grilling with Chef George Hirsch provides a wealth of recipes and ideas for great party foods, plus advance preparation tips to ease the strain of last minute chores.
Hardcover: 310 pages
Publisher: Hearst Books-HarperCollins; 1St edition (June 12, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0688142257
ISBN-13: 978-0688142254
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
This easy to live with lifestyle plan; with more than 165 of George's easy-to-prepare gourmet recipes, you can lose weight, maintain energy, look better, and enjoy a longer active life, by eating great food!
M.Evans and Company, Inc.
George Starts your year off right!
George Hirsch Living it UP
Recipes for a Healthy Active Life
Product Details
Hardcover: 240 pages; $24.95
Publisher: M. Evans and Company, Inc.; 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0871319241
ISBN-13: 978-0871319241
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
Creative Cooking tips
Fast Easy recipes that allow for an active lifestyle
A 30-Day Menu Plan you can adapt throughout the year
Support and motivation for staying on a healthy eating & exercise routine
Tips for easy food shopping & eating healthy on the run
Each book is personally autographed by George Hirsch.
