Retaining their vibrant green colour and maximum favour with their texture still intact, these three foolproof methods will ensure you achieve perfect tender asparagus every time.

Before cooking your asparagus:

Bend each asparagus near the cut end and they’ll break. Discard the broken ends – they’re too woody to eat. Trim the asparagus to neaten up the ends.

How to cook asparagus in a pan:

1. Heat a large, wide-based pan with a matching lid over a high heat
2. Once hot add the asparagus with a pinch of salt
3. Add a splash of water to the pan and cover with a lid
4. Cook for 3 min or until the asparagus is tender

How to cook asparagus on a grill or griddle pan:

1. Heat a griddle pan over a high heat
2. Brush the asparagus with oil
3. Once hot, add the asparagus with a pinch of salt and cook for 5 min, turning occasionally until they’ve tender and charred

How to steam asparagus:

1. Heat a large pan of boiling water
2. Pop the asparagus into a steamer with a lid and cook for 4 min or until the asparagus is tender
3. To serve: a knob of butter finishes asparagus off nicely, as does a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt and pepper