Let’s talk about Asparagus — yes, the bright green spears that show up every spring and often get overlooked in favor of more “kid-friendly” veggies. (P.S. I’ve linked the word Asparagus here — feel free to click it to find all the delicious recipes on my site that feature this underappreciated powerhouse!)
I’ll admit, I wasn’t always a fan. But once I learned how to cook it right — and introduced it to my kids with a little help from butter and salt — it quickly became one of our favorite green vegetables.
The Gentle Benefits of Asparagus
I won’t preach, but it’s worth mentioning that asparagus is full of good stuff: fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also known for supporting digestion and being naturally low in calories — but honestly, I just love how fresh and vibrant it tastes when it’s cooked right.
Cook It Bright, Not Mushy
One of the best tricks to getting kids (and honestly, adults) to eat asparagus is keeping that gorgeous green color. The goal is to cook it just enough so it’s tender but still bright — not brown, dull, or mushy.
I like to blanch it quickly in salted water or sauté it over medium heat until just crisp-tender. And yes, when I first introduced it to my kids, I didn’t hold back on a generous amount of salt and butter. Now, they eat asparagus like it’s French fries — no exaggeration.
Snap, Don’t Chop
Here’s a small but game-changing tip: don’t cut off the woody ends — snap them. Asparagus naturally breaks at the perfect spot between tough and tender. Just hold the spear at both ends and gently bend it — it’ll snap right where the good part starts.
Bonus tip: save the woody ends in the freezer. They’re great for adding flavor to homemade veggie stock or soup down the road. Nothing wasted.
Try It Your Way
Whether you roast it, grill it, steam it, or sauté it, asparagus can be your new kitchen friend — especially during spring and early summer when it’s at its best. And if you’re curious, be sure to browse my asparagus recipes for simple ideas the whole family will love.
Let me know how your family likes their asparagus — and if you’ve got a picky eater win, I’m all ears!
