Asparagus is a seasonal green vegetable that is normally steamed, roasted, or grilled. While it can be eaten all-year-round due to imports from other countries, it is still relatively expensive. In this regard, you should make sure to store them properly to prevent spoilage. Of course, you’ll want to know how to store asparagus, right?
If you have no idea how you cans tore asparagus properly at home, just continue reading. We listed some of the best ways you can store asparagus at home. Just go through the list and use the method that is most suitable for your needs.
Asparagus storage tips
How to Store Asparagus
Do you want to find out how to keep your fresh asparagus in tip-top shape for as long as possible. Then, you’ll definitely want to pay close attention to this list of things to do, and a few things to not.
#1: Store fresh asparagus in the fridge
Similar to flower stems, you have to store asparagus upright in a container of water. The water ensures they remain fresh. If they are stored properly in the refrigerator, asparagus can last at least a week.
Before you put asparagus in the fridge, ensure they are tied together. They normally come in a bunch and tied together with a rubber band. Keep the rubber band then cut off the end if necessary. You need to remove the tough, woody ends of the plant.
Then put the asparagus in a jar filled with water and make sure it remains upright. Cover the upper ends with a plastic bag to ensure they remain tasty. Put the jar in the fridge. Change the water whenever it starts to become cloudy.
#2: Freeze the asparagus
Freezing fresh asparagus allows you to store them for up to one year. But you should take note thick asparagus spears are better for freezing than thinner asparagus spears. You should make sure the asparagus you are freezing is not limp or discolored.
The first thing you should do is to cut off and discard the woody ends of the asparagus. Then cut them into one-inch pieces. Once they are cut up, blanch them to allow the asparagus to retain its flavor while in the freezer.
After blanching the asparagus, put them in an ice bath then allow them to drain and dry. Once they are suitably dry, flash freeze the vegetable while they are on a baking sheet and covered with plastic. After flash-freezing the asparagus, you can transfer them into a freezer-safe container for long-term storage.
#3: Refrigerate cooked asparagus
If you have cooked asparagus you want to store for later use, make sure it is not overcooked since it will become soggy. Refrigerating asparagus is best for blanched or sautéed asparagus. But storing boiled asparagus in the fridge will result in a soggy vegetable.
When you store blanched or sautéed asparagus in the fridge, make sure you put the vegetable in an airtight container. You can store cooked asparagus in the fridge for three to five days. So, it’s best to consume them a few days after you put them in the fridge.
How to Keep Asparagus Fresh
What to Do With Excess Asparagus
Since asparagus is a seasonal vegetable, you may be thinking of buying as many as you can when they are in season. Even as this may be a good idea if you are planning a healthy asparagus party, you may end up with more asparagus than you can handle.
In this situation, you should look for different ways of dealing with this overabundance of the vegetable. If you still have no idea what you can do with excess asparagus, then you have come to the right place. Continue reading so you will know what you can do with excess asparagus you have at home.
Canned Asparagus
Canning asparagus is not normally recommended since it will result in a softer texture for the vegetable. But canned asparagus is great for making pureed asparagus soup or adding it to omelets and quiches. You can also store canned asparagus at room temperature.
You should can the tender end of the asparagus so you would need to cut is at the point where the tough and tender part meet. And the best way to can it is to use a pressure canner. This will allow you to avoid the formation of the bacteria that causes botulism.
Pickled Asparagus
Another way of preserving excess asparagus is to pickle the vegetable. Pickled asparagus is great when paired with sandwiches or roasted chicken. This preservation method also increases the shelf life (check out: shelf liner paper) of asparagus to a few weeks.
The first thing to do when pickling asparagus is to make the brine, which is made of different spices and vinegar. Once the brine is ready, you should pour it in a jar filled with trimmed asparagus spears. After this, cover the jar and store it in the fridge.
Dried Asparagus
Before you dry asparagus, make sure to blanch it so it will retain its color and flavor. There are two methods of drying asparagus: using a food dehydrator or using an oven. Between these two methods, it is relatively faster to dry asparagus using a dehydrator.
You should take note that the tips dry faster than the stalk. Due to this, you should cut the tips from the stalk before peeling or splitting the stalk in the middle. This will ensure the peeled or cut stalk will dry at around the same time as the tips.
When asparagus is dried and stored properly, it can last for several months at room temperature. In this regard, you should make sure the vegetable is suitably dried and placed in an airtight container. You should also put it in a cool, dry place.
Use in Different Dishes
Asparagus can be used in many dishes that may be new to many people. Some of the dishes you can make using asparagus include cream of asparagus soup, potato salad with asparagus, fried eggs and asparagus, and steamed asparagus with vinaigrette. There is an endless list of recipes you can find using asparagus as one of the ingredients.
Best ways to store fresh asparagus
Summary on How to Store Asparagus
Since asparagus is a seasonal vegetable, many people prefer to stock up on it to prepare for the off-season. In this regard, knowing how to store asparagus properly will prevent spoilage and keep it available for use the whole year-round.
Have your Say about Asparagus Storage
Do you have any other ways of storing asparagus? Or, a recipe idea for how to use up lots of it? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below. We’d love to hear from you.
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