Pickled asparagus, consumed by royalty for millenniums, can be yours today.
Fresh garden asparagus has captivated the culinary world for more than two thousand years. The Pharaohs of Egypt cultivated this delicacy as an offering to their gods, although it must be suspected they sampled for themselves as well.
In fact, it’s said that the Romans held the asparagus in such esteem, that they devised an effective, although labor intensive method of freezing this produce of early spring. A special contingent of runners hastened the fresh asparagus from Rome, to be frozen in the Alps for use months later.
Such luminaries as Louis XIV, Madame Pompadour and Thomas Jefferson went to great lengths to have asparagus on hand. Madame Pompadour reportedly found it to be an outstanding, must-have aphrodisiac. So you can see that the vegetable has much to recommend it!
Although you can make this treat for yourself, it’s probably best to buy pickled asparagus from one of the select online shops, which have got the preparation down to a science.
There are plenty of recipes for pickled asparagus online as well, but you should be an expert in the canning process and have time to burn. Consider also, that it requires about 20 pounds of fresh asparagus to produce a dozen pint jars of pickled asparagus. All in all, you’re likely best off to purchase this delight.
Pickled asparagus is typically available in two varieties, white and green. All pickled asparagus have a decidedly crisp, crunchy texture and are usually served cold. Recipes include a mild version, with garlic, as well as a more fiery concoction, laced with hot chili peppers, cayenne and jalapenos in varying combinations.
So how do you serve this legendary vegetable? It’s great as an individual selection on an antipasto platter. You may wrap a few stalks in prosciutto, secured with a toothpick\' for an elegant standalone party snack. Adventurous hosts may embolden a Bloody Mary cocktail with a single stalk. Give it a stir and take a sip. Delicious!
If you’re dieting or are a health nut, there’s no guilt to be found here. One stalk has just four calories. Asparagus is packed with nutrition, high in antioxidants and a rich source of folic acid and B vitamins. Rutin is found in abundance and serves to strengthen your capillary walls. Asparagus is also a good source of fiber and potassium and is fat and cholesterol free.
There’s absolutely every reason to indulge yourself and guests with pickled asparagus. I wonder if that aphrodisiac rumor is true?
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