And so it begins.
Of course in keeping with my idea of tying in my A to Z challenge with what is transpiring in my garden, or as of right now my greenhouse, my first post should be all about the letter A and it's corresponding vegetable Asparagus.
Problem is I have never grown asparagus. I plan on it this year though but without any prior knowledge I would only leave you in a confusing state of dismay towards my first post.
So I'll keep it simple and just say asparagus rocks and is in my top 5 of vegetables for eating.
My favorite way to cook asparagus is to cut into one inch pieces, toss in olive oil and saute very quickly in a skillet with fresh chopped garlic, mushrooms, zucchini and squash. A sprinkle of basil at the end to finish it off. Keep the veggies slightly crunchy.
A few other veggies that begin with A would be artichoke and arugula. Never grew either of those. I love artichokes though. Especially the hearts seasoned and drizzled with olive oil. Roast them on a baguette in the oven and you have heaven in a little bite!
Last season I bought some asparagus and pickled it with som eof my garden grown jalapenos and garlic. Lovely crunch with just the tiniest bit of heat.
You can see them in the pic above. I love pickling vegeatbles!
I can't wait to get my asparagus crop growing. It takes time to be able to get a harvestable crop of asparagus. The crowns or root base do not produce in their first year. It can take up to 3 years for a good crop. They sell the crowns in various ages. I will be hopefully planting 2nd year asparagus crowns and likely will have a small crop from them next year.
My reason for not planting last year was that it was my first garden in the new house and I really don't like to rush into things. After one year of the garden I have a better understanding of the way my little acre grows things. You see I am in a little river bottom and almost at the bottom of a large hill. My weather can be substantially different than those at the top of the hill. A micro climate if you will.
I wanted at least one season to see how things would pan out before committing to an asparagus patch. I'm glad I did because I wouldn't have had it in the best spot and would have had to move it.
Once my patch is planted I am going to make a little sign for it that says:
"Asparagus Acres"
Of course in keeping with my idea of tying in my A to Z challenge with what is transpiring in my garden, or as of right now my greenhouse, my first post should be all about the letter A and it's corresponding vegetable Asparagus.
Problem is I have never grown asparagus. I plan on it this year though but without any prior knowledge I would only leave you in a confusing state of dismay towards my first post.
So I'll keep it simple and just say asparagus rocks and is in my top 5 of vegetables for eating.
My favorite way to cook asparagus is to cut into one inch pieces, toss in olive oil and saute very quickly in a skillet with fresh chopped garlic, mushrooms, zucchini and squash. A sprinkle of basil at the end to finish it off. Keep the veggies slightly crunchy.
A few other veggies that begin with A would be artichoke and arugula. Never grew either of those. I love artichokes though. Especially the hearts seasoned and drizzled with olive oil. Roast them on a baguette in the oven and you have heaven in a little bite!
Last season I bought some asparagus and pickled it with som eof my garden grown jalapenos and garlic. Lovely crunch with just the tiniest bit of heat.
I can't wait to get my asparagus crop growing. It takes time to be able to get a harvestable crop of asparagus. The crowns or root base do not produce in their first year. It can take up to 3 years for a good crop. They sell the crowns in various ages. I will be hopefully planting 2nd year asparagus crowns and likely will have a small crop from them next year.
My reason for not planting last year was that it was my first garden in the new house and I really don't like to rush into things. After one year of the garden I have a better understanding of the way my little acre grows things. You see I am in a little river bottom and almost at the bottom of a large hill. My weather can be substantially different than those at the top of the hill. A micro climate if you will.
I wanted at least one season to see how things would pan out before committing to an asparagus patch. I'm glad I did because I wouldn't have had it in the best spot and would have had to move it.
Once my patch is planted I am going to make a little sign for it that says:
"Asparagus Acres"
I love aparagus too! However I like them a little less cruchy. Never had the other two A veggies tho. They look suspicious.
ReplyDeleteoops! *aSparagus
DeleteAsparagus
ReplyDeleteDelicious
and it makes my pee smell.
Yeah, I am THAT childish.
:-)
Oh Al! But, it's true, pee smells funny after eating asparagus. You crack me up! :P
DeleteAsparagus is a favourite in my house. I like your recipe and will give it a go.
ReplyDeleteI also like a bit of a crunch to my asparagus so I'm careful not to overcook it. I find the trick is knowing how much of the stalk to cut away as that's the part that can be chewy.
Great start to the A-Z, I'm excited to see what's next...
Jenny @ PEARSON REPORT
Jamie here, Just visiting from the A to Z ChallengeBeing Positive with a Depressive Soul
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad somebody likes asparagus, but garlic makes anything taste good. :-)
ReplyDeleteJust stopping in from the A-to-Z challenge. Happy writing--and cooking.
Slithers of Thought (WR)
Aha! Got my link to work. Sorry about the deletes...
DeleteEnjoy your veges, my friend. I am only into raw veges, but am primarily a meat eater.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
Yum. Asparagus! Love it. It was part of our Easter dinner this year. I had no idea it was so time consuming to grow! I think I'll stick to the grocery for it and try my hand at other veggies instead! Good luck this April!
ReplyDelete