Save a bundle for later.
Peak asparagus season is very brief, just a few weeks in most growing zones.
But you might’t just freeze fresh asparagus spears.
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You’ll need to blanch them first.
Here’s how to freeze asparagus and the best ways to use it later.
Steps For Freezing Asparagus
Asparagus doesn’t last long in the fridge.
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Freezing asparagus buys you more time and prevents you from wasting money spent.
Thankfully, these are pretty simple, and you’ll have asparagus ready to be frozen in no time.
What You’ll Need
Prep The Asparagus For The Freezer
1.
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Sort the asparagus spears.
Break the rubber band, and fan out the bundle of spears.
Look for any that are soft, shriveled, dark, or soggy.
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These spears won’t make it through a freeze, so toss them.
Pop the asparagus into a colander, and give them a goodrinse under cold running waterin the sink.
Those woody, dry ends are not worth eating, so remove them.
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You cantrim asparagusby using a chef’s knife to cut about 1 inch off all the ends.
Blanch The Asparagus
1.
Bring a stockpot or large saucepan of water to a rolling boil.
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Gently drop asparagus into boiling water.
Cook 2 to 4 minutes.
If you have spears of different sizes, start with the thickest asparagus.
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Wait about 15 seconds, then add the next batch.
End with the thinneststalks of asparagusso they don’t overcook.
Remove the asparagus from the water.
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Pull the asparagus out of the ice bath.
Spread in a single layer on the paper towel-lined baking trays.
Cut the asparagus to size.
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If you want shorter 1- to 2-inch pieces, now is the time to cut the spears down.
They’ll be harder to chop when frozen.
But you don’t have to cut themyou can leave long spears intact.
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Freeze The Asparagus
1.
Transfer the asparagus to freezer bags.
Once the asparagus has been dried and cut, move the pieces or stalks intoresealable zip-top plastic bags.
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Push as much air out as possible before sealing.
Can You Freeze Cooked Asparagus?
Yes, you’re free to freeze cooked asparagus for up to two months.
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If you have lots of leftovers after aholiday partyor barbecue, you don’t have to toss those spears.
you might instead freeze them in an air-tight container.
However, you won’t be able to eat them the way you had planned to before.
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Can You Freeze Fresh Asparagus Without Blanching It?
you’re free to freeze fresh asparagus withoutblanching, but you won’t enjoy the results.
Frozen fresh asparagus is prone to turning mealy and mushy in the freezer.
Blanching asparagus, besides helping preserve its color, locks the asparagus in a par-cooked state.
That means the asparagus will have a better texture once it’s thawed and heated back up.
How Long Does Frozen Asparagus Last?
In other words, you’ve got the option to’t thaw and then roast frozen asparagus spears.
Instead, you should use frozen asparagus where its tender texture and vibrant color will be a boon.
That includes pasta dishes,risotto, soups, quiches, casseroles, and stews.
Try frozen asparagus inasparagus recipeslikefrittata,Skillet Pasta Primavera, andHam and Noodle Casserole.
If you do want plain asparagus, you’ve got the option to use frozen asparagus.
But don’t have a go at roast or bake it.
Any longer (or on a lower heat), and the asparagus will turn mushy.
Do you better thaw frozen asparagus?
No, you do not need to thaw frozen asparagus.
In fact, thawing asparagus will likely result in something akin to a puddle.
Instead, throwfrozen asparagusright into whatever dish you’re making.
