One of the main reason people don’t buy produce and fresh food nowadays is because ‘it doesn’t last long’ or, at least, it doesn’t last long enough to be convenient.
While all-natural food is great for our health (and palate) one of the downsides is the fact that, without all those added preservatives, fruits and vegetables might go bad before we even get the chance to enjoy them, which represents a waste of food and money.
This is doubly true when it comes to asparagus because, while delicious, it’s also expensive and most people don’t use it as often as they think they would.
Not buying produce is a solution, as well as buying it only when you’re certain you’re going to use it but there’s a third, equally simple solution: Freezing it.
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Can You Freeze Asparagus?
The question is, can you freeze asparagus?
Yes, yes you can!
Freezing Asparagus is probably the best way to keep your asparagus fresh, even if you don’t use it right away. This process is not only easy, but it’s also convenient as it allows you to have fresh asparagus in and out of season at a very affordable price.
- Read more: What does asparagus taste like?
What Do You Need to Freeze Asparagus?
To get the best results, buy asparagus when it’s in the season as it won’t only be cheaper but will also ensure you get the freshest spears you can find.
This is what you’ll need:
- A bowl large enough to hold the asparagus
- Knife
- Large pot with cover
- Metal basket, steamer, strainer, or the likes.
- Timer
- Ice
- Freezer bags or air tight containers
How To Freeze Asparagus?
Okay, we have all things we need. Now, let's start freezing asparagus!
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Divide the asparagus spears according to their size, as this will make the following steps easier.
- Depending on the size of the spears, cut them into more manageable sizes or leave them whole. As a good rule of thumb, cut them until they fit neatly in the freezing bag and the freezer.
- Boil 1 gallon of water for each lb of asparagus.
- Place your asparagus spears in a steamer, strainer, metal basket or similar; dip this into boiling water.
- Cover your pot and wait for the water to start boiling again. Once this happens, start your timer and blanch your asparagus:
- Small spears – 2 minutes
- Medium spears – 3 minutes
- Large spears – 4 minutes
- Once the timer rings, take out the strainer (or whatever you used) out of the water and immediately plunge the asparagus into cold water. Add extra ice if necessary.
- Once the asparagus is cold, drain it thoroughly and pack it in freezer bags or airtight containers.
How Long Will Frozen Asparagus Last?
- You can keep your frozen asparagus in the freezer for up to 12 months. However, it’s important to remember that the longer you leave it, the more the quality will deteriorate which means that the longer it is in your freezer, the mushier it will become once you finally use it.
- It’s important to clarify that asparagus always loses its crunch when frozen and keeps losing it the longer it stays frozen so if you want to ensure a delicious crunch opt out of freezing it and simply use it fresh.
Tips for Freezing Asparagus
- Keep an eye out for offers and bargains and buy in bulk.
- You can snap off the ends and freeze them directly, no blanching required. You can then use the ends for soups.
- Make sure the asparagus is drained and dry before freezing it as it will get frosty otherwise.
- When blanching, use only plain water. Don’t salt it or add anything else.
Other Ways To Freeze Asparagus
Another good way of freezing asparagus is to seal it in airtight bags.
This process preserves the ‘crunch’ much better and is quicker than the regular one, as it skips blanching entirely. However, not everyone owns a vacuum sealer machine, so we’re leaving it for last.
- Wash your asparagus with clean water to remove dirt and other debris.
- Cut your spears so they can fit neatly in the air tight bags.
- Place the spears in the bag and use the vacuum sealer machine to remove the air inside the bag. Remember to adjust the bag as necessary during this process to remove as much air as possible.
- Once the air is completely removed, seal the bag thoroughly.
- Label and store in the freezer.
Remember that all sealers are different so you should always follow the instructions of your particular brand.
See below video for how to cook asparagus in a pan (read more: red copper pan reviews):
Now you know how to freeze asparagus.
Did you like this article? Did you find it useful? Is there any way to freeze asparagus that we missed?
Tell us in the comments and don’t forget to like and share this article with your friends.
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