Have you ever wondered how to freeze asparagus?

These tender green spears are a delight, whether roasted, grilled, or steamed. But what happens when you stumble upon a fantastic sale or harvest more than you can eat in a week? 

Freezing asparagus is the perfect way to preserve its vibrant flavor and crisp texture for enjoyment long after the season has passed.

Don’t let your precious asparagus go to waste! With a few simple steps, you can easily freeze it and have a taste of spring at your fingertips whenever you desire. Check out our step-by-step guide below.

How to Select Fresh Asparagus

The quality of your frozen asparagus starts with the quality of the asparagus you choose. Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Avoid limp or wilted stalks, as these won’t freeze as well.

Related: How to Select, Store and Serve Asparagus

How to Wash Asparagus

Gently rinse the asparagus under cool running water to remove any dirt or grit. Pay close attention to the tips where dirt can sometimes hide.

Related: How to Properly Wash Fruits & Vegetables

Trimming Asparagus

Snap off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus. These are typically the bottom inch or two of the stalk. The point where the asparagus naturally breaks is typically the right spot.

How to Blanch Asparagus (for the best results)

Blanching is a crucial step in the freezing process. It helps to stop enzyme activity that can lead to loss of flavor, color, and texture during freezing. Here’s how to blanch asparagus:

First, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Next, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl or pan with ice and cold water.

Blanch the asparagus: Add the trimmed asparagus to the boiling water. The blanching time will depend on the thickness of the spears:

• Thin spears: 2 minutes
• Medium spears: 3 minutes
• Thick spears: 4 minutes

Immediately transfer the blanched asparagus to the ice bath. This rapid cooling stops the cooking process. Let the asparagus chill in the ice bath for the same amount of time it was blanched.

Drain and Dry the Asparagus

Once the asparagus is thoroughly chilled, remove it from the ice bath and drain it well. Excess water will lead to ice crystals forming, which can affect the texture of the frozen asparagus. Spread the blanched asparagus in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat it dry.

Flash Freeze (Optional but Recommended)

Flash freezing helps prevent the asparagus spears from sticking together in the freezer, making it easier to take out only what you need later.

Arrange the dried asparagus spears in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the asparagus is frozen solid.

Package for Freezing

Once the asparagus is flash frozen (or simply dried if you skip this step), transfer it to freezer-safe bags or airtight containers.

Storing Frozen Asparagus

Store your frozen asparagus in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Properly frozen asparagus can last for 10-12 months.

Tips for Using Frozen Asparagus

• Frozen asparagus is best used in cooked dishes like stir-fries, soups, casseroles, and quiches. The texture may be slightly softer than fresh asparagus after thawing.
• You can often cook frozen asparagus directly without thawing. Simply add it to your recipe and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• If you prefer to thaw it, do so in the refrigerator overnight or briefly under cool running water.

Our Favorite Asparagus Recipes

• Asparagus with Parmesan
• Shaved Asparagus Salad
• Pickled Asparagus

Freezing asparagus is a simple and effective way to extend the enjoyment of this delicious vegetable. By following these steps, you can ensure that you have a taste of fresh, vibrant asparagus available whenever you crave it! So go ahead, stock up when asparagus is in season and savor its goodness throughout the year.