Make sure you peel the white asparagus before boiling. Otherwise, the asparagus will taste stringy and wooden. Only peel three-quarters of the stem, the head does not need to be peeled. PRO TIP - do not discard the peel as you can use it to make White Asparagus Soup
To peel the asparagus you hold it lengthwise to your arm, this ensures that the stem does not get broken accidentally.
Chop the wooden end bits.
Place the asparagus in a saucepan with water. (The aspparagus should be completley covered) Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water (this rounds off the taste), 1 teaspoon of sugar (this neutralises the bitter flavours, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice (this ensures that the asparagus keeps its lovely white colour, and 1 teaspoon of butter (to enhance the natural flavours).
Boil for about 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of the asparagus.
Check if the asparagus is done. Remove one stem from the pot. Chop the thickest bit and try.
Making the Sauce Hollandaise
Melt the butter for the sauce in a saucepan until it browns and you can see a slight foam developing.
Remove the scum from the melted butter. I passed the mixture through a cheescloth.
In a heatproof bowl mix together the lemon juice, white wine, and egg yolks.
Place into a water-bath and mix until the ingredients blend into a creamy mixture.
Slowly, first in drips and then in a small constant stream add the butter to the mixture.
Season the mixture with some salt and pepper and then leave in the water bath to keep warm. Alternatively, you can also use a Thermal Mug to keep the sauce warm until needed. The sauce does not reheat very well.
How to serve
Serve with boiled potatoes, sliced ham, salmon or schnitzel on the side.
Notes
Please refer to the step by step images in the main post.
How to serve
Serve your asparagus with some boiled potatoes, cured smoked ham, salmon or schnitzel on the side.
How to store white asparagus
Uncooked/Fresh -Remove the white asparagus from its packaging. Wet a dishcloth with water and wrap it around the Spargel. Store it in the vegetable compartment for up to three days. For best results wet the towel again occasionally.
Cooked Asparagus-You can store cooked asparagus for up to three days in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge.
Can I freeze white asparagus?
Technically you can freeze white asparagus but it's not advisable because the delicate vegetable quickly loses its flavour.