So, you bought asparagus, ate about half of it and then put the remainder in storage. But then, after a few days or so, you will definitely start wondering: how long does asparagus last? Not unlike, isn’t it? Read on for more information about asparagus storage.
You don’t want it to go to waste in the time you get a opportunity to utilize it. It’s also a costly vegetable as well as you’re a conscientious spending person.
Perhaps you’ve heard that asparagus is a food item with a extremely short shelf-life and you would like to discover the best method to keep it in storage it to ensure that you can store the asparagus in the place it should be once you get back home.
If one of these sounds familiar, this article is intended for you. Let’s get started.
How long does asparagus last in the fridge?
- Asparagus 3- 4 days :4 days
- Asparagus wrapped in a dry paper towel: 5 – 7 days
- Asparagus in a glass jar with water: 10-14 days
- Cooked asparagus: 3- 5 days
Fresh asparagus is good for three to four days inside the refrigerator by itself. To get longer storage time, you need to either wrap it in a damp paper towel or put it on its side in a container that has water in it. The former will give you the opportunity to store it for up to a week but the latter could allow asparagus to last to up to 2 weeks.
As you can see, the durations vary significantly based on how you’re willing to invest when it is time to move to storage.
If you’re prepared to invest a few minutes to go an extra mile (more details on techniques in the section on storage), you can triple the length of time asparagus lasts for.
TIP
If you want to preserve it for a longer period, freezing is the best option to take.
Another crucial aspect in making the asparagus to last for as long as is possible is picking the best asparagus you can find in the grocery store or supermarket.
Here’s how to choose asparagus from the grocery store:
Pick bunches with glowing green spears, which feel hard to the feel
Avoid slimy, limp, or darkening asparagus
When it is to cooking asparagus it maintains its freshness for around 3 to five days after being stored in the fridge. Similar to its raw counterpart that you can freeze, this is how you keep it over time.
How to store Asparagus
You should store asparagus in the refrigerator in an un-sealed plastic bag. If you would like to preserve it for a longer period, wrap the spears’ bottoms with a damp towel or set them up in a container with a little water. Both these methods can help asparagus spears to keep their the moisture and improve their quality.
When it is time to the storage of cooked asparagus, simply transfer asparagus spears to an airtight container. Close the cap and then refrigerate, or freeze.
These are the basic points and let’s discuss the specifics.
First, asparagus that is raw is available using a rubber band that is placed around the asparagus. Don’t remove this band when you get at home. It can help secure the spears while in storage.
In addition, unlike other vegetables that are grown in the garden, asparagus thrives in a humid environment. This is why placing it in a half-opened bags of plastic is a suitable alternative. The bag not only helps retain water, but it also lets it to breath.
To make it to last more time, you must to provide it with more moisture There are at a minimum two methods to do this.
The easiest solution is to cover the stalks’ bottom inside a wet (not dry) paper towel, then put them back in the bag and leave it un-sealed.
The most efficient method of storage is to place asparagus in a glass jar filled with water, then cover by a plastic bag
The Best Method To Store Asparagus
If you want the stalks to keep their freshness for a month or longer, you should try a more efficient method of storing them in a container having water in it.
For this, you need a jar or container (or a cup, as you will see in the image) that has about one inches of water.
Put the asparagus upright into the container. Cover the stalks’ tops with a freezer bag or plastic. Do not tie the bag, simply hang it over the asparagus. The vegetables still require air circulation to remain fresh. Replace the water if it becomes cloudy.
Does Asparagus require refrigeration?
There’s no need to chill asparagus when you plan to cook it the day you purchase it. However, if you require it to keep its quality for longer than that, placing it in the refrigerator is absolutely necessary.
How long will asparagus last within the Fridge?
If you throw your fresh asparagus in the fridge in a bags made of plastic, it lasts anywhere from three to four days before beginning to get rotten, similar to in how bell peppers are stored in the refrigerator.
If you decide to wrap the bottom of the stalks in a moist towel, and then place them in the refrigerator, you extend the freshness for another three days.
If you make the effort to place your asparagus in a container that has one inch of water, the asparagus will remain fresh for up to fourteen days.
How Long Does Asparagus Last after Cooking?
Once you cook asparagus, its quality quickly changes. When it is stored within an airtight container it lasts up to up to three to seven days. To keep it more, it is an option to keep it in the freezer.
Place the cooked asparagus in a container for freezing, take out the air, then place in the freezer. If you are freezing asparagus that has been cooked is necessary, do it immediately after cooking, rather than waiting a few days because the nutritional value decreases.
Can you freeze asparagus?
Even if you use the elaborate storage techniques outlined in the previous paragraph, asparagus does not last as long. It’s also way too expensive to throw away it to be thrown away.
Fortunately, it freezes fairly well. If you purchased too much food on a sale or your plans have changed and you don’t have the time to make it within a couple of days after purchasing and the option of freezing it is the best way to go.
How to Freeze Asparagus
This method of freezing is almost identical to what I use to store broccoli (read more about it in my article about the storage duration of the broccoli).
Here’s how you can freeze asparagus:
Prep. Trim, wash and cut the asparagus.
Blanching
It’s now time for the asparagus to be blanched. Before you place the asparagus in hot water separate the stalks according to the thickness. Small ones should be blanched at 90 seconds for more, large ones for 120 seconds, and the thick asparagus to up to 180 minutes. In general, each spear should change to a vibrant green color after the blanching.
Cooldown
After boiling then transfer the stalks to cold water.
Dry them thoroughly. Remove the water and allow the spears to hang to dry over 10-15 – 20 mins. Dry them with paper towels.
Packaging
The stalks should be divided into a small amount if you do not need all of them at the same time. Then place them in a distinct freezer bag. You can squeeze the air out from the bag and close it with a tight seal. You can also add a label that includes a date if you like.
The bags can be frozen.
How to Find Out If Asparagus is Bad?
Throw away asparagus if:
There’s mold. If there’s a fuzzy look on the spears or black spots appear all over the place, then asparagus is not good.
It’s soft or it’s mushy. The tips typically get darker and limp in the beginning before the stalks turn wrinkled. It’s a broad spectrum, naturally – you could use soft spears, however when slimy residue forms it the stalks need to be removed.
It’s an odor that’s funky. Asparagus doesn’t have much smell of its own. So, if it develops an off smell, it’s an appropriate time to allow it go. Don’t be afraid to use your senses.
Apart from that the asparagus spears may begin to begin to lose the color. Color loss is a indicator that they’re not going to last long, so it is best to take them in as fast as you can.
Similar to other vegetables, you can cut out the ones that aren’t good (and some) or throw away the spears that have been spoiled and use the remainder. If, however, the majority of the stalks have been used to use, you probably should throw all of them away.
When you cook the vegetable before cooking, make sure to give it a fresh sniff. If it does not smell fresh, however it has a unpleasant, rotten smell to it toss it out.
Tips on purchasing fresh asparagus
One aspect to take into consideration when purchasing fresh asparagus spears is the season. The asparagus season is between February and June. April is the best month to buy fresh ones because it’s the peak of its growth season.
Being aware of when to buy the best quality asparagus is the first step. you should also be aware of what to look for in the local supermarket to get the highest quality. When you are choosing the freshest spears, search for ones that have a hint of violet and bright green.
Check the stems for firmness. Beware of buying stems that are limp. Some might advise you to get the best flavor select stems with thinner ones but the thickness does not affect the flavor.
Best Strategies to Utilize Asparagus Leftovers
Despite the most ardent intentions, at times you find yourself with leftover asparagus. Although it’s sometimes okay to re-use the same roast or steamed vegetable for two nights at a row is generally not recommended. Instead of heating your spears, you can use them to serve as a construction block to make something fresh and exciting.
One method to make use of your leftovers is to mix them. Begin by reducing a thick cream into a saucepan, then sprinkle on some pepper and salt, and then add your leftovers chopped up. It should be heated long enough to make your spears toasty and serve it on toast.
Another excellent side dish for leftovers is to mix asparagus along with the peas. Sugar peas are a great choice however so do snow peas and snaps. Cook your peas and then toss into the asparagus to cook to a simmer. Incorporate butter and mix the vegetables until well coated. Sprinkle on some Italian seasoning, and serve warm.
If you want to find ways to make some food leftovers in a main course There are a variety of methods to make it. Cut the asparagus into pieces that are bite-sized and add it to the next dish of stir-frying. It is also possible to add it to any pasta dish.
Once it’s cooked, toss it into the dish at the end to cook it. Rice fried and skillet dishes are fantastic options for leftover asparagus.
If your asparagus leftover is slightly overcooked, or you would like to make use of the fresh asparagus prior to it goes to waste, you can make pickled asparagus.
Wrapping up
How long does asparagus last? No need to ask this question again. For, I have already given the answer in this post. Anyway, Asparagus is a great ingredient for cooking and is certainly a healthier option, particularly when your life has become hectic that there’s not enough time for a balanced food diet.
It is high in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, each of which is vital for nutrition and growth.
Asparagus can also contribute to a better mood and less hangovers due to alcohol-related intoxication. To ensure that you get all the benefits from asparagus it is crucial to consume fresh ones.