Asparagus will stay fresh for a week or more if you store it properly in the refrigerator. Asparagus stalks are similar to flower stems, they should be kept upright and moist to keep them fresh. Learn how to store fresh or cooked asparagus so that it lasts as long as possible.
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Method 1 of 3: Storing Fresh Asparagus
Step 1. As much as possible, choose the freshest asparagus
Fresh asparagus is bright green in color and has a stiff stem from top to bottom. Check the underside of the stem, if it is firm and brown, it means the asparagus is not fresh.
- Don't buy asparagus that has changed color or has brown spots.
- Don't choose mushy asparagus.
Step 2. Just let the rubber hold some of the asparagus sticks together
Asparagus is usually sold in bundles and tied with rubber. The rubber makes the asparagus easier to store upright and fresh, so leave the rubber alone until you are ready to cook the aspagarus.
Step 3. If necessary, cut off the lower end of the asparagus
When you buy asparagus, you may need to trim the lower end of the stem 1 inch (3 cm) or more. Take a sharp knife and cut the slightly hard and woody part. Remove the lower stem pieces.
Step 4. Fill the bag or container with 2.5 cm of water
The size of a glass jar is usually just the right size for a bunch of asparagus. Empty jam or pickle jars can also be used. If you are trying to save space in your refrigerator, use a sturdy plastic bag. Fill a storage container with 2.5 cm or more of water, enough to cover the lower end of the asparagus.
- You don't need to fill the container to the brim, you just need enough water to keep the asparagus moist.
- Another easy method is to wrap the ends of the asparagus pieces in soaked tissue paper. You should change the tissue paper every few days because it will dry out.
Step 5. Store the asparagus in an upright container
By storing in an upright condition, asparagus can absorb water from the container so that the stems stay fresh and firm. If you're using a storage bag, tie the top of the bag around the asparagus so you can store it upright in the refrigerator door without spilling water.
Step 6. Cover with a plastic bag
Use a loose plastic bag (a plastic bag for storage sold at the grocery store) to cover the top of the asparagus and the jar. This will keep the asparagus flavor fresh. Without a plastic bag, the asparagus sticks will absorb the various aromas of food in your refrigerator.
Step 7. Change the water when the jar starts to get cloudy
Check the water every few days and change the water when it's not clear, as you would with cut flowers. You should change the water no more than once or twice before consuming asparagus within a week or so.
Method 2 of 3: Freezing Asparagus
Step 1. Choose thick, fresh asparagus stalks
Asparagus sticks that are thicker than a ballpoint pen will freeze better than thinner ones. Choose fresh asparagus that has just been harvested, which is not yet mushy or has a woody texture. Avoid asparagus that is brown or discolored. Aspagarus taste like that will not taste good after freezing.
Step 2. Cut off the woody bottom of the asparagus
Cut off about 2 inches (5 cm) of the bottom end of the asparagus stem. The chewy texture at the ends of asparagus stalks doesn't taste great, especially after freezing, so make sure you cut off any dry or woody parts of the stems.
Step 3. Bring water to a boil and prepare ice water
To retain flavor, asparagus should be boiled before freezing. In this process, the asparagus is simmered in boiling water for 30 seconds, and cooled off from the heat before the crunch disappears. Then, the asparagus is immersed in ice water to stop the cooking process. Boil a large pot of water and prepare a large bowl of ice water.
Step 4. Cut the asparagus into 2.5 cm pieces
In order for the asparagus to cook evenly, it is best to cut it into small pieces. If you prefer to boil it whole that's fine too, but the asparagus flavor may be reduced.
Step 5. Boil the asparagus for one minute
If the asparagus sticks are thicker, simmer longer, if thin, simmer for 30 seconds. Watch the asparagus carefully so it doesn't overcook.
Step 6. Transfer the asparagus to the ice water
Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the water so the aspagarus cools and the cooking process stops. Soak them in ice water for the same amount of time you boil them, then transfer them to a colander to let the water drip off and dry.
Step 7. Freeze the asparagus briefly
Place the asparagus pieces on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and place the pan in the freezer. Freeze the asparagus for about an hour, until each piece is iced. Freezing asparagus briefly before long-term storage will prevent the asparagus pieces from turning into frozen lumps.
Step 8. Transfer the asparagus to a freezer-safe container
Place the frozen asparagus pieces in a freezer bag or plastic container. Pack as tightly as possible to free up most of the air. Mark the container with the date.
- Frozen asparagus lasts up to a year in completely chilled conditions.
- There's no need to thaw asparagus before cooking it, just add it to soups and other frozen dishes.
Method 3 of 3: Storing Cooked Asparagus
Step 1. Do not overcook the asparagus
Overripe asparagus will become mushy, and if you heat it after storage, it will become inedible. If you want to keep cooked asparagus, make sure it has some left over after cooking.
- Blanching (cooking vegetables by boiling them for a very short time and then soaking them in cold water) or steaming asparagus are great ways to add flavor while retaining a crunchy texture.
- Stir-fried and grilled asparagus will also last longer if it's not overcooked.
- Boiling asparagus is often mushy in texture, so avoid this method.
Step 2. Store the asparagus in an airtight container
Cooked asparagus will last longer if you store it in a container with as little air as possible. A plastic or glass container with a tightly sealed lid is best.
Step 3. Store asparagus in the refrigerator for a maximum of five to seven days
Cooked asparagus is best stored for several days. After that the crunchy taste and hard texture of the asparagus will disappear.
