Want to know how to freeze asparagus? Keep reading this super easy to follow guide so you can keep your asparagus fresh for a long time.
Freezing is the best option for keeping things fresh and preserving them for a long time. If you have a large number of asparagus at hand and want to save some for later, then simply keeping it away in a bag won’t work.
You can store asparagus for up to five days in the refrigerator. Or you can freeze them.
Can you freeze asparagus
Oh yes, yes you can! Asparagus can be freezed for up to 1 year and they are incredibly easy to freeze. They also keep all their nutrients and flavor so it’s a great way to preserve them for a long time.
How to Freeze Asparagus [Step by Step]
So, you are ready to freeze your asparagus and get it going. Great! Now let’s get started.
Wash the asparagus and pick
Before starting the process of freezing, you should first go ahead and thoroughly wash the asparagus. Then, carefully look for any shriveled or soggy spears and get rid of them because they will become even soggier after defrosting.
Trim the woody ends
After you wash them, get rid of the woody ends. Another method, which preserves much more nutritious spears, is to slice an inch off the ends and then scrape off the thick skin with a peeler.
Blanch the asparagus
When you finish cleaning the asparagus, all you have to do is blanch them. If you are not sure what blanching is or how to do it, just scroll a bit. We have the complete step by step and methods at the bottom.
Pat dry and line in a baking sheet
After blanching pat them dry to get rid of the moisture and line them on top of a baking sheet. Take to the freeze for 1 hour.
Transfer to a container
Now just transfer your asparagus to a freezer friendly container or bag.
How to blanch asparagus
Blanching asparagus using the boiling method
Start boiling water in a large pot and adding asparagus into it. If you have a large quantity of asparagus, then it is better to put around one pound of it at one time in the boiling water. Let asparagus blanch for 3 to 5 minutes.
The time may vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus and the temperature of the boiling water.
Then, drain the asparagus and add cold water to it to stop the blanching process. It is ideal to leave your asparagus in the cold water for the same boiling time. Finally, drain the asparagus.
Blanching asparagus using the steam method
Bring water to a boil and put a steaming basket over it. Place your asparagus into the basket and cover it to generate an ample amount of steam. Let your asparagus steam for about 3 to 6 minutes, depending on how thick the spears are.
After the steaming, transfer them to a cold water bath to stop the steaming process. Then, like in the boiling process, leave the asparagus in the cold water for the same steaming time. Finally, drain the asparagus.
Now it’s time to put them in ziplock bags or airtight containers to prevent moisture escape, and the asparagus becomes dry.
That also protects the asparagus from any foreign smells we can put in our freezer.
FAQs about freezing asparagus
Can you freeze asparagus without blanching?
While you can technically freeze asparagus without blanching we highly advise you do it. Blanched asparagus preserve their vibrant green color and texture resulting in better frozen and thawed asparagus.
If you don’t blanch your asparagus before freezing the color will be dull and the texture will be mushier, losing their crisp bite.
For how long do you blanch asparagus?
Between 3 and 5 minutes depending on how thick your asparagus are.
Can you freeze asparagus with Foodsaver?
If you have a foodsaver on hand it’s even easier to freeze asparagus! Just vacuum seal the asparagus while they are fresh and freeze them. There’s no need to blanch them before. Vacuum sealed asparagus last frozen for up to 2 years too.
How to use the frozen asparagus on recipes
There are many delicious foods you can prepare with frozen asparagus.
- You can use them for quiches and frittatas
- They are delicious on spring inspired pastas and risottos
- They are also great on casseroles
And of course, you can use them fried or roasted, an effortless yet delicious way to serve asparagus.
I love to have frozen asparagus on hand to incorporate them into any recipe!
Want to learn more about freezing your favorites?
- Check this post about how to freeze cupcakes the right way!
- Read how to freeze asparagus easily and in no time
- Save this post about how to freeze peaches and keep it on hand