Green or white varieties of asparagus are most commonly available in the markets during spring. There is another not so common variety of asparagus that’s purple in color, although its not easy to find. Asparagus when grown naturally in the open are green in color, it is when they are grown without light that they’re devoid of chlorophyl and turn white . Light lets chlorophyll produce the green pigments that give green asparagus its vibrant color. White has a milder taste than its green counterpart but either of them could be utilized in an asparagus recipe.

ASPARAGUS SEASON The season for asparagus varies from place to place. The season begins by February in the west coast whilst in majority of other places it starts in April.

THE BEST ASPARAGUS When selecting your asparagus, choose stalks that are not too thick at the base. Ideally the stalks should be no thicker than a pencil and should also be relatively firm and erect while the tips should ideally be slightly purple and pointing inward.

STORAGE TIPS As soon as you get the asparagus home from the marketplace, wrap the ends in a damp paper towel to keep them moist and place them in the refrigerator. Keep asparagus in the crisper drawer to avoid heat and light. Use the perishable vegetable as soon as possible, ideally the very day you buy.

HOW TO PREPARE ASPARAGUS FOR COOKING Prior to cooking asparagus, gently wash the stalks in a cold water bath. If the ends are too rigid, hack them away. If you steam or blanch asparagus, immediately after cooking, soak stalks in cold water bath to maintain their nice green color.

PROSCIUTTO AND ASPARAGUS PIZZA RECIPE (Makes 6 to 8 servings) Ingredients: 1 (12-inch) unbaked pizza crust 6 to 8 thin slices of prosciutto One pound mozzarella cheese, grated 11 ounces goat cheese 12 spears fresh asparagus, chopped 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved Fresh black pepper one tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Put pizza crust on a pizza pan and intersperse mozzarella on it. Arrange asparagus, prosciutto and tomatoes over mozzarella, then sprinkle evenly with goat cheese.

2. Sprinkle basil and black pepper over pizza. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or till the time it takes the cheese to become bubbly and crust is golden. Let it cool before you slice and serve.

For additional details on asparagus recipes please go to Asparagus Recipes You can also take a look at some fantastic video recipes by visiting White Asparagus Recipes