A good way to figure out how much of the end of a stalk of
asparagus needs to be removed is to simply hold the stalk by the bottom, and about halfway up the
stem, with both hands, and
bend it. The stalk will
snap right where the tough part begins, leaving you a tender stalk of
asparagus for the rest. Simply discard the bottom and cook as above.
Mmmm, tasty. Of course asparagus makes some people's urine smell funny.