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A mason jar filled with water with trimmed asparagus in it.

How to Store Asparagus (3 ways)

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  • Author: Bianca
  • Total Time: 5
  • Method: fridge / freezer

Description

With these simple tips, you can keep asparagus fresh and flavorful. Whether you store them in the refrigerator, upright in water, or freeze them, you can always enjoy delicious asparagus.


Ingredients

  • fresh asparagus spears

Instructions

Method 1: Store in the refrigerator

  1. Trim: Start by trimming about 1-2 inches off the ends of the asparagus spears to remove the tough and woody part of the stalks.
  2. Wash: Thoroughly wash the asparagus under cold running water to remove dirt or debris.
  3. Bundle: Bundle the trimmed asparagus spears together and wrap the ends with a damp paper towel to maintain the right humidity level.
  4. Store: If possible, store the asparagus in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator to take advantage of the cold temperature that slows down enzymatic activity and prevents drying out.
  5. Enjoy: Your Asparagus will stay fresh for a few days.

Method 2: Standing Upright in Water

  1. Trim: Start by trimming the ends of the asparagus spears, removing the tough and woody part of the stalk.
  2. Water: Fill a tall glass or a jar with water about halfway.
  3. Stand: Place the trimmed asparagus spears upright in the water, with only the bottom half submerged and the rest above the waterline.
  4. Humidity: To maintain the right humidity level, cover the asparagus and the container with a plastic bag or wrap it with plastic wrap, creating a mini greenhouse effect.
  5. Store: Store the asparagus in the refrigerator, and change the water every two days to ensure freshness.
  6. Your asparagus will stay hydrated and fresh for up to a week or even longer.

Method 3: Freezing for Long-term Storage

  1. Trim: Start by trimming about 1-2 inches off the ends of the asparagus spears and wash them thoroughly under cold running water.
  2. Blanch: Blanch the asparagus spears in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, depending on their thickness, to preserve their color, flavor, and nutrients while killing any bacteria.
  3. Ice bath: Transfer the blanched asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  4. Pat dry: Pat the asparagus dry and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
  5. Label and freeze: Label the container/bag with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Always remember to trim the ends of the asparagus before storing it to ensure freshness and flavor!
  • Is the temperature of your refrigerator cold enough? The optimal temperature for storing asparagus is around 4°C (39°F), which is the typical temperature setting of a regular refrigerator. Storing asparagus at this temperature helps slow down enzymatic activity and prevent spoilage, keeping the asparagus fresh and crisp for longer.