Asparagus
Use with Charred Asparagus Salad
Asparagus is one of the most prized of the summer vegetables, not least for the fact that it only grows for about a month (May-June) in the year.
These green, textured spears can emerge from the earth over night and the younger they are, the more sweet and delicious.
The sweetness of asparagus starts leaving the stems as soon as they are cut, so it pays to cook them as soon as possible after picking - preferably within an hour or two.
To prepare the stems, take them between the thumb and forefinger of each hand, and bend until it snaps in two.
The tenderest part will come away from the woody end, and is ready to be blanched in boiling water, or sliced for use in stir fries and other dishes.