How much of the asparagus stalk is edible?

The whole stalk is edible, but the top 3–4 inches is the tenderest part. The rest however is excellent for soup, or sliced thinly for a stir-fry. The Edible part of the asparagus is the asparagus spear. it’s the part which will turn into asparagus ferns if left uncut.

Is asparagus a stem?

Asparagus grows from an underground root system of fleshy storage roots attached to an underground stem called a rhizome and small feeder roots that absorb nutrients and water.

Are the leaves of asparagus edible?

To start, edible asparagus spears will open to lacy, fern-like leaves if left unharvested, making its relationship to the houseplant relatives much more apparent. It is, however, the only variety that is edible.

What are the parts of asparagus called?

In asparagus (Asparagus officinalis; Asparagaceae), the scales found on the asparagus spears are the true leaves. If the thick, fleshy asparagus spears continue to grow, flat, green, leaflike structures called cladodes develop in the axils of the scale leaves.

Can you eat the woody part of asparagus?

You can eat the whole spear except for the woody stem towards the bottom. Hold the asparagus spear on each end firmly. It will naturally snap so that the woody stem breaks off.

Are asparagus leaves?

The asparagus plant is tall with scale like leaves emerging from the underground stem (rhizome) and has stout stems and feathery foliage. The flowers are bell shaped and occur alone or in pairs.

What type of stem is asparagus?

Asparagus is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing to 100–150 cm (40–60 in) tall, with stout stems with much-branched, feathery foliage.

What are stalks of asparagus?

Asparagus stalks, each of which represents a stem on the plant, are famously tender at the tips and hard and woody at the ends, so nearly every recipe you’ll find online starts with trimming those tough bases before cooking. It’s almost as if that asparagus wants to be trimmed.

Do you eat the top part of asparagus?

You can eat the whole spear except for the woody stem towards the bottom. Hold the asparagus spear on each end firmly. It will naturally snap so that the woody stem breaks off. Discard that part and eat the top part with the head on it.

Is the bottom of asparagus toxic?

Asparagus Just a handful can cause vomiting and diarrhea, though a bit of charcoal will clear that right up, according to the excellently named Asparagus Friends site.