Have you ever tried growing your own asparagus? It grows from a seed into a crown and takes several years to start producing, but when it DOES it can produce for up to 20 years!
Funny things asparagus, they grow at all sorts of random thicknesses and FAST. Once they reach the surface it just takes 2-3 days then they bolt quickly and you’ve missed your opportunity!
First things first
You can buy seeds, or a crown if you don’t have the patience to wait a year (the time it takes for the seeds to turn into a crown). The crown, a bulb, is perennial and will come alive in early summer in New Zealand.
Plant your seed, or crown, several inches under the soil in long rows. Keep the area free of weeds and other plants if you can. This is difficult because you forget they are there for most of the year! If you can remember, pile on lots of compost over the winter months to help feed the crown.
Harvesting
Asparagus stems take me a little by surprise. One moment there is nothing, the next a single stem appears from nowhere. They appear to grow relatively sporadically in thickness and in numbers, but they just keep coming! Once the stem is out of the ground it won’t thicken but it will grow in height. Within 2-3 days of first appearing, the asparagus may be ready to harvest; best when less than 30cm in height. Using a sharp knife cut the stem just above soil surface.
If you don’t harvest the stem it will continue to grow in height, then the tight heads of the asparagus will start to unfurl like a fronze and grow into a fern (similar leaves to dill in appearance). It’s a pretty fern and the female will go into berry (a poisonous berry, but the ‘seed’ all the same). It is a good idea to leave a couple of plants to go to seed.
Preparing Asparagus
If not used immediately, best to sit cut asparagus stem ends in a glass of water. If not, the cut end may go dry. If this does happen, don’t panic though. Find the ‘crisp’ spot by bending the asparagus between two sets of fingers. It will naturally snap at the freshest point; discard the rubbery end, use the rest!
Good for you!
Asparagus stems are a good source of folate, which is important for mental well-being. It also contains vitamin C and riboflavin, which helps to regulate metabolism. Steamed, grilled or roasted, asparagus is quick to prepare in a number of different ways. Brush with oil and roast or grill until cooked, or blanch in boiling water for a few minutes – cooked but still firm.
