While asparagus season generally runs throughout Spring (between February and June), it usually hits its peak season in April and May. Meaning you really don’t have all that long to enjoy this delicious and nutritious vegetable at its best, making it all the more important to learn how to store asparagus to enhance its shelf life. When storing asparagus properly, it will keep for up to a week (or more!) in the refrigerator, staying fresh right up to the moment you’re ready to make oven roasted asparagus, air fryer asparagus, or sauteed asparagus to perfection. Want to preserve it for longer? Try quick pickled asparagus or learn how to freeze asparagus!
Tips to Select the Freshest Asparagus for Storing
Unsurprisingly, one of the key factors in storing asparagus for the longest time is to ensure you’ve chosen the best ones right from the supermarket/farmer’s market. Look out for stalks that:
How to Store Fresh Asparagus
If you intend to use the asparagus within 2 days, gently wrap the end of the stalks in a damp cloth or paper towel (wring it mostly dry first so it’s only lightly damp). Then place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate. It’s best to store it in the vegetable crisper drawer in the refrigerator. This can sometimes keep it fresh for 5-7 days. But if you want to keep it for that long, I usually recommend a couple of additional steps as seen below. Does asparagus need to be refrigerated? The short answer is yes. Otherwise, it will spoil much faster.
How to Keep Asparagus Fresh for 5+ Days?
The best way to store asparagus when you aren’t planning on using it immediately is the “flower vase” method. How long does asparagus last using this method? This can help it last about a week, though I’ve had it last up to 12 days at one point. Chef’s Tip: This storage method also works well for storing and rehydrating carrots, fresh herbs, green onions, and more.
Can You Freeze Asparagus?
Freezing asparagus is a wonderful way to extend its shelf life by 6-8 months, even up to a year. However, it’s not as simple as just throwing it right into the freezer from raw. Luckily, though, you only need to follow a quick, simple process of how to freeze asparagus to retain the best color and texture (first blanch, then cool in an ice bath). You can then cook it directly from frozen, either in the dish (like casseroles, pasta dishes, or soup) or sautéed with a little olive oil/butter, salt & pepper- delicious! Browse the blog for more asparagus recipes.
How to Tell If Asparagus Is Bad?
There are a few signs to look out for to determine if your asparagus is past its best.
More Ingredient Guides
How to Eat and Store Radish Greens How to Freeze Spinach (The Best Way!) How to Freeze Green Beans – The Complete Guide What Are Fava Beans and How to Cook Them
If you try this easy method on how to store asparagus, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
