3 Minute Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus is best when in season in your area, which in many areas begins in March and runs through June. Asparagus is harvested throughout the year in one area of the world or another, making it available year round. When it is in season in your area, you can purchase it the same day or within a day or two of harvesting. That will give you the absolute best flavor.

How to Buy:

Select asparagus with stalks that are firm, crisp, and have heads that are full, tightly closed,
and not discolored. Check the aroma from the bunched asparagus as it should not give off an
objectionable odor. The ends of the asparagus that have been cut should be moist and fresh
in appearance, not dried or cracking.

Asparagus is very perishable. Fresh asparagus will last about 3 to 4 days while blanched asparagus can last for 9 months in the freezer. Do not wash asparagus before storing. Wash it just before using. To store fresh asparagus, wrap the stalks in a damp cloth and place in a plastic bag that is not airtight. Airtight bags will trap moisture, causing the asparagus to become soggy. Fresh asparagus can also be stored by trimming an inch off the stem end, wrapping ends with a wet paper towel and then stand the spears upright in a glass or upright container filled with a couple of inches of water. Place a loose plastic bag over the spear tips and store in the refrigerator.

Ingredients:
2 lb. fresh asparagus
1 cup Italian dressing
Salt and pepper - to taste

Directions:
1. Trim asparagus by snapping the stem off.
2. Place asparagus in plastic bag and pour on dressing. Place in refrigerator for 1hour.
3. Preheat barbecue to 400 °F.
4. Place asparagus on grill and cook for approx. 3 minutes till lightly browned.

Here is a great way to enjoy that delicious grilled asparagus and steak. Great for lunch or dinner.
Grilled Steak and Asparagus Salad

Here is a flavorful marinade for asparagus.
Marinated Asparagus

GREEN Asparagus

Green asparagus is grown in a flat bed so that it is exposed to the sunlight. Exposure to the sunlight increases the chlorophyll content, which is what makes the asparagus green. The stalks are harvested when they are approximately 8 inches tall and 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Green asparagus has a more intense nutty flavor than the white or purple asparagus.

PURPLE Asparagus

Purple asparagus is grown in mounds similar to the white asparagus except it is allowed to grow approximately 3 inches above the surface before it is harvested. During this time it is exposed to the sunlight just enough to begin changing colors. When exposed to the sun the asparagus first turns light purple, then purple, and finally green. The purple variety is harvested before it turns green. Its flavor is slightly more intense than the white asparagus.

WHITE Asparagus

White asparagus is grown underneath a mound of dirt that keeps the stalks from turning green. Once the stalks crack through the surface of the mounds they are harvested. The white asparagus is harvested in the early morning so that it has limited exposure to the sun. Too much exposure will start to turn the asparagus green. White asparagus has a more delicate flavor than green or purple asparagus.