Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Pickled Asparagus

I know I have been away for eons, but that does not mean that I have not been visiting friends blogs. I have been passive just because I have been so busy with life, and I have not taken the time to post comments. I know you all understand how it goes. That said, I have been wanting to try a pickled asparagus recipe, because we like it and I just don't have the drive to eat plain asparagus during its season more than 2-3 times. I love it on salads, to eat out of the jar, to embellish with come chopped hard boiled egg with Dijon mayonnaise, or what have you. I have never canned it myself. I have found 2 recipes. One in Preserving the Harvest by Carol Costenbader, and another from a friend.

Here is Carol Costenbaders:

Pickled Asparagus

3 C distilled vinegar
3 C water
1/4 C sugar
2 tsp salt
3 # (8 C) asparagus spears, washed and trimmed
4 cloves garlic
 2 tsp pickling spice
12 whole black peppercorns

Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a 2 qt. saucepan and heat to a boil. Pack the asparagus in two 1-quart jars, leaving 1/2 " head space. Divide the garlic, pickling spice and peppercorns between the two jars. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the asparagus, leaving 1/2 in. head space. Cap and seal. Process for 20 min. in a boiling water bather canner and adjust for altitude if necessary.

 Here is another recipe that is a homestead recipe, try it at your own risk, as I have not tried it, although, I hear it garners $10 a quart jar from the people that spend the time to make it. I think it sounds absolutely delicious.

Cajun Pickled Asparagus

1/4 C pickling salt
2 1/2 qts cider vinegar
2 1/2 qts  water
3/4 C brown sugar
Bring this brine to a boil-
 in each Qt jar put:
1 tsp crushed red pepper
1 tsp cumin seed
1 clove garlic

Pack jars with washed, trimmed asparagus, leaving 1/2 in. head space, pour brine over top and process in boiling water bath canner for 15 min., adjust altitude if necessary.

 Enjoy. I plan to make this recipe over Memorial Day weekend and will let you know how it goes.








4 comments:

  1. I love fresh asparagus but like you can only eat it so many times during the season. However, I have never tried to can it myself & have only seen the over processed pressure canned mushy stuff.

    Since these 2 recipes are pickled, is the asparagus crunchy?

    Can't wait to hear about the 2nd recipe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DFW,
      Well, I can't tell you that for sure if they are crunchy or not because I haven't pickled them yet. I will be adding Ball Pickle Crisp to each jar so they for sure are crispy. It is what I use when I make dill pickles and they are delicious. Here's the link to that recipe:
      http://simpleeverydayliving.blogspot.com/2011/08/best-dill-pickles.html

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  2. I have got to try this when mine are ready to pick! Sounds good, I do get tired of the few ways I fix it and I have never tried canning it before, can't wait to try! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am waiting a couple of months to see how they turn out. I only used 1/2 tsp of the red pepper flakes because my DH doesn't like spicy food. I hope you try canning it, I can a huge variety of foods and we just love the simplicity and taste.

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Your thoughts are welcome!