Tasty heralds of spring How to take the bitterness out of asparagus
A little is okay, but asparagus should not taste too bitter. If it does, it's due to the weather or it was cut incorrectly. But it can be saved. At least to some extent.
A slight bitter note is part of the typical asparagus taste. However, it sometimes happens that individual asparagus spears are even more bitter than usual. Don't panic: Bitter asparagus is not poisonous, reassures the Bavarian consumer advice center.
In most cases, the spears have just been cut too close to the rootstock, which contains the bitter substances.
The rhizomes grow a few centimeters more each year. If asparagus fields are cultivated over several years, the asparagus stems must therefore be raised each year. Otherwise, the asparagus may be cut too close to the root and contain more bitter substances.
Another cause could be unstable weather, such as a sudden cold snap followed quickly by heat. The bitter substances are mainly found in the skin and the base.
In this case, it helps to peel the asparagus spears thoroughly and cut off the bottom end generously. A teaspoon of sugar in the cooking water can also partially neutralize the bitter taste.