A little reason to celebrate
National Asparagus Day
Food ยท May 24
A day for asparagus, the spring vegetable of green spears, and the many simple ways people roast, grill, steam and eat it.
National Asparagus Day falls on Monday, May 24, 2027. That is 209 days away.
Asparagus comes up out of the ground as a single spear, already looking like something you could eat. The part we buy is the young shoot of a perennial plant. Left alone, those shoots grow into tall, feathery fronds.
Most of what shows up in stores is green, but white and purple asparagus exist too. White asparagus is grown under soil or cover so it never sees enough light to turn green, which gives it a milder taste. Purple spears tend to be a little sweeter, and they usually turn green when cooked, which feels like a magic trick nobody asked for.
The flavor is grassy and fresh, with a slight bitterness that stands up well to butter, lemon, olive oil and salt. Thin spears cook in a few minutes. Thick ones hold up to the grill or a hot oven. The woody bottom ends are usually snapped or trimmed off before cooking, and many cooks simply bend a spear until it breaks on its own at the tender point.
People mark the day by cooking it the way they like best. Some keep it plain, roasted on a sheet pan. Others shave it raw into salads, fold it into omelets, or wrap it in something salty. Leftover ends can go into a pot for soup or stock.
Fresh asparagus should have firm stalks and tight tips. Standing the bunch upright in a little water in the fridge, like flowers, helps it stay crisp for a few days.
Ways to celebrate
- Roast a bunch of asparagus with olive oil, salt and a squeeze of lemon.
- Try the snap test to find where each spear turns tender.
- Look for white or purple asparagus at a market or grocery store.
- Save trimmed ends and simmer them into a simple soup.
- Shave raw spears into thin ribbons for a salad.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, May 24 |
| 2027 | Monday, May 24 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, May 24 |
| 2029 | Thursday, May 24 |
| 2030 | Friday, May 24 |
Also on May 24
Categories: Food days