Robbie Sigona’s Produce Tips: Local Asparagus

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  Local asparagus is now at Sigona's! Look for fresh spears from Salinas and Stockton.

  Look for spears that are compact with no signs of flowering on the tips.

• Really fresh stalks are even a bit squeaky.

• The asparagus should have a fresh cut on the bottom, and it should have a green color all the way down the stalk, with as little white as possible.

• Size is a matter of preference. Thin asparagus tastes stronger and more grassy. Thicker spears taste sweeter.

• Did you know… the white asparagus is not a different variety? It’s just regular asparagus that’s been chlorophyll-deprived by being grown away from sunlight either under earthen mounds or plastic.

• One end is the tough stem end; the other is the tender flower. To separate, hold it on both ends and bend. The stalk will snap at its natural breaking point.

• Store in the fridge for 4-5 days.

• If you have room in the fridge, and some extra time on your hands, trim the bottom ends of the asparagus and place the stalks in a half inch of water. This will keep your asparagus fresh and stop the dehydration process.

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Robbie Sigona is our produce buyer. He works with local farmers and scours the market for the very best in fresh fruits and vegetables — some you won’t find anywhere else.