Nothing delivers a fresh, vibrant taste to your plate quite like spring asparagus. Its tender spears offer a unique combination of earthy and slightly sweet flavors.

Served raw, roasted, steamed or sautéed, asparagus adds a delightful crunch and a touch of elegance to any dish, making it a sought-after seasonal delicacy. 

You can purchase this special vegetable at the Lenexa Farmers Market from Hedgewood Farms, JET Produce and Meats and Moonlight Prairie Farms.

Pro prep tip for all asparagus recipes

To prepare your asparagus, wash the spears and trim off the tough ends. You can snap off the ends by bending the asparagus near the bottom, and it will naturally break at the right spot.

Simple ways to add asparagus to your plate

Salad topping – Crown your salad with chopped asparagus, cucumbers, green onion, feta cheese and a tangy vinaigrette.

Grilled asparagus – Toss spears with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place them on a preheated grill over medium-high heat and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the asparagus is charred and tender.

Roasted asparagus – Toss spears with olive oil, salt and pepper, and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in a 425°F preheated oven for a few minutes until the asparagus is crisp-tender.

Photo credit: Bill Harrison