What does Asparagus taste like?

[faire_raven]

I've recently been trying to eat more fruits and veggies, but I'm gettin tried of leafy salads, corn, and spinach. I've always been incredibly picky about veggies. I dont like green beans, peas, watercrests, broccoli, or brussel sprouts among many other things I've tried repeatedly. I havent been able to find a single friend or relative who can explain the taste of asparagus to me. I'd like to try it, but I'm afraid to w/o at least a lil idea of the taste. I know ya gotta take a risk in life, but I hate to cook somethin up and then gag on it and have to throw it out. Is there anybody out there who can give me some idea of what to expect w/ asparagus?

[Barbara L]

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables, but if you hate that many vegetables you probably won't like it. I can't really think of anything that tastes like it. The closest I can think of is artichokes, and it isn't really anything like it. Asparagus has a very distinct flavor, different from anything else. What I would suggest is to buy a can of asparagus and try it. Fresh is, of course, better, but the canned is still good and will give you an idea of what it is like.

:) Barbara

[faire_raven]

Heh.. sadly I have a can of white asparagus that I bought a while back, but I've been too scared to try it. I guess I'm just going to have to find a sauce or something to dip it in and try it, eh? I like artichokes in recipes, and artichoke dip (if made right) is to die for! So I'll just have to get over my silly fear and try it.

[Barbara L]

I like my asparagus plain, but Hollandaise sauce is very popular for it.

:) Barbara

[ironchef]

buy fresh asparagus, then marinate it in olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar for about 30 minutes, then season with salt and pepper and grill on medium high for about 4-5 minutes, making sure you rotate the spears so they don't get overly charred. when the balsamic vinegar caramelizes, the sweetness cuts some of the taste that you may not like in asparagus.

i wouldn't bother with the canned asparagus. it's mushy, and has a briney and acrid taste.

[-DEADLY SUSHI-]

Yeah.... canned asparagus is like canned peas..... HORRIBLE! Mushy and just plain bad.

[kyles]

Would someone please tell the English, especially up here in the North, that peas are one of God's gifts, come in a pod, and should be cooked al dente. They are NOT green squidgy items that have the dickens cooked out of them in factory, get plonked in a tin, sit in a supermarket for twelve moths, are extracted from said tin and then heated up, doused in vinegar and smeared on greasy battered fish!

Evil nasty mushy peas!

[BubbaGourmet]

kyles;
I have even seen them take beautiful, fresh baby peas and cook them to death then put them in a blender! Shame! Let the beatings begin!

[kyles]

That's so evil!!! Baby peas are gorgeous, and you don't have to do anything with them at all. Personally I think picked out of your grandfathers garden, barefoot with your sisters and cousins in the spring sunshine is the best recipe I know!

[ironchef]

English Spring Peas are wonderful when cooked right. I like to use them in risottos, and I use them in an open faced ravioli with lobster, as well as a puree for the sauce in some dishes. If cooked right, they retain a beautiful bright green color, and lend a nice texture and flavor to food.