Can You Freeze Asparagus?

Wondering if you can freeze fresh asparagus? Here’s what to know about preserving this green vegetable over time.

Got a load of asparagus and not sure how to use it? It’s easy to buy a bunch with good intentions. But without meal prep or planning, sometimes you’re stuck with those same green spears at the end of the week! If you don’t have time to sauté or bake it up, does the freezer work? Here’s what to know.

Can you freeze asparagus?

Freezing asparagus preserves the flavor, but the texture becomes much softer after thawing. It loses much the “bite” of fresh asparagus, making it a bit soggy after it’s cooked. You can use frozen asparagus in cooked dishes like sautés and quiche, but it’s preferable to use this vegetable fresh if you can.

How long does asparagus last in the refrigerator?

Asparagus stays fresh up to 5 days in the produce drawer. Want to extend its life even further? Place the asparagus spears in a jar with water and loosely cover the tops of the spears with a plastic bag. Stored this way, asparagus stays fresh up to 2 weeks.

If you’d like to preserve asparagus beyond that point, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. Keep in mind that you’ll need to blanch the asparagus in boiling water before freezing. If you can, it’s preferable to store asparagus in a jar to extend its life and use it in asparagus recipes.

How to freeze asparagus

The best way to save those asparagus spears before they go bad? First, try them in recipes like sauteed asparagus, asparagus pasta, or asparagus risotto. Or, sauté the spears to go on an asparagus salad with feta. But if you don’t think you can use them in time, they work frozen too.

The best way to freeze asparagus? Chop and blanch it first. Blanching is boiling vegetables until they’re just crisp tender. It helps to keep vegetables colorful while frozen by locking in a bright color, and makes them last longer by stopping the natural enzyme activity that deteriorates their texture, color, and flavor.

Here’s how to freeze asparagus:

1. Chop the asparagus into pieces.
2. Blanch the asparagus: Prepare a large pot of boiling water. Add the asparagus and boil for 2 minutes, until just tender.
3. Rinse the pieces under cold water until cool to the touch, then pat them dry. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, then place the asparagus in a single layer. Flash freeze for 1 hour.
4. Transfer to an airtight container or sealable freezer-safe bag. If using a bag, use a straw to suck any remaining air out of the bag and seal it. Mark a “Use by” date 6 months in the future.
5. Place in the freezer and freeze for up to 6 months.

Tips for how to use frozen asparagus

Frozen asparagus can be used right from the freezer in cooked dishes: no need to defrost before using it! Here are a few tips:

• Use frozen asparagus only in cooked dishes, like sauteed asparagus, risotto, or quiche. But keep in mind, the texture will be soggier than sauteing fresh asparagus.
• Frozen asparagus can be added right to cooked dishes without defrosting. It may release more moisture than fresh asparagus when cooking. Adjust the recipe cook time as necessary: it might be slightly shorter since the asparagus is pre-cooked.
• Use within 3 months. The flavor can degrade the longer the asparagus are frozen. For best results, use the asparagus within 3 months.

Freezing other vegetables & fruits

All veggies, fruits and dairy products hold up differently in the freezer! Here’s what to know about freezing different foods:

• Try freezing other veggies and fruits like broccoli, onions, carrots, celery, cucumbers, cabbage, green beans, zucchini, corn, potatoes, avocados, tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, blueberries or bananas
• Learn how to freeze dairy products, like cheese, milk, sour cream, ricotta, yogurt, butter, cream cheese, cottage cheese and mozzarella
• Try freezing whole grains like rice

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