FoodPickled asparagus: Preserving the taste of the season

Pickled asparagus: Preserving the taste of the season

Asparagus in a jar
Asparagus in a jar
Images source: © Adobe Stock | SunnyS

20 July 2024 20:03

The asparagus season is in full swing, so it's worth using these delicious and healthy vegetables in many ways. You can also pickle asparagus, besides the standard cooking, grilling, or adding to salads.

Pickling asparagus is a great way to extend its shelf life and enrich your diet with new, unique flavours. Homemade pickled asparagus is easy to prepare and does not require specialized culinary skills.

Why should you pickle asparagus?

  • Health: Pickled asparagus is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, fibre, and magnesium. They also contain probiotics that benefit gut flora.
  • Taste: Pickled asparagus has a pleasantly sour, spicy taste and a crunchy texture, which pairs well with many dishes.
  • Versatility: Pickled asparagus can be eaten as a standalone snack, added to salads, sandwiches, and sauces, and even used as an ingredient for pizza or pasta.

Recipe for pickled asparagus

Ingredients:

                    
  • 1 kilogram green asparagus,
  • 1 litre water,
  • 30 grams salt,
  • 1 head garlic,
  • 1 small horseradish root,
  • 1 dill stalk with flowers,
  • 10 black peppercorns,
  • 5 allspice berries,
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds.

Preparation:

  1. Wash the asparagus thoroughly and dry them. Break off the woody ends.
  2. Scald the jars and dry them.
  3. In each jar, add 2 cloves of garlic, a piece of horseradish, and a dill stalk. Add a few peppercorns, allspice berries, and mustard seeds.
  4. Arrange the asparagus vertically in the jars.
  5. Mix the water with the salt and pour over the asparagus so they are completely submerged in the brine.
  6. Seal the jars tightly and store them in a dark, cool place for at least 5 days.
  7. After this time, the asparagus will be pickled and ready to eat.

Ideas for serving pickled asparagus:

  • As a standalone snack,
  • In addition to salads,
  • Sandwich ingredient,
  • Sauce for meats and fish,
  • Topping for pizza and pasta,
  • Ingredient in omelettes and scrambled eggs.

Pickled asparagus is a delicious and healthy way to use this seasonal vegetable. Try this simple recipe and see how tasty homemade pickles can be!

Remember that the pickling time for asparagus can vary depending on the ambient temperature. The warmer it is, the faster the asparagus will pickle.