The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science

Q: Should I peel my asparagus?
Even when the stalks are properly trimmed, the
outer layers can have a fibrousness that is
apparently upsetting to the palates of people who do
things like write Michelin guides. Use a standard Y-
peeler to shave the skin off, starting right below the
tip. The flavorful trimmings can be added to your
vegetable or chicken stock or blanched and pureed
into a soup or sauce.