What is the best way to freeze fresh asparagus?
How to freeze asparagusTo blanch the asparagus, bring a pan of water to the boil. ... Pop the asparagus into the boiling water and blanch for about 2-4 minutes, depending on the size. ... Once drained and patted dry, lay the asparagus on a tray and freeze until frozen solid.
Can I freeze fresh uncooked asparagus?
Yes, you can. Consider preserving this nutrient-dense vegetable. It's not difficult, and freezing asparagus keeps that one-of-a-kind flavor in season and on your table no matter the market price. On the flip side, frozen spears pack all the flavor you know and love.
How do you freeze asparagus without steaming or blanching?
0:324:29How to Freeze Asparagus without Blanching - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to freeze asparagus. Without blanching it you're going to use a steam basket. And you're going toMoreSo to freeze asparagus. Without blanching it you're going to use a steam basket. And you're going to bring the water underneath to boil.
Is frozen asparagus mushy?
There's science behind that fact. A stalk of asparagus is 93 percent water. When that water freezes, it creates large ice crystals that puncture the cell walls that provide the structure of the vegetable, and the result is the watery, mushy texture you experienced.
How long do I blanch asparagus before freezing?
Blanch the Spears Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, combine set aside a large bowl of ice water. If your asparagus spears vary in thickness, boil the thickest ones first, just until they turn bright green, about 4 minutes. Boil medium spears for about 3 minutes, then thinner ones for about 2 minutes.
What happens if you freeze asparagus without blanching it?
But you can't just freeze fresh asparagus spears. You'll need to blanch them first. Blanching asparagus preserves the color and nutrition, and it keeps the texture and taste as close to fresh as possible. If you freeze raw asparagus, you can expect a mushy, mealy mess when it's used.
How long will fresh asparagus last in the refrigerator?
Asparagus tastes best when cooked the day you buy it. If that's not in the cards, store them as you would store cut flowers: Trim the bottoms and stand the spears up in a glass or jar with about an inch of water. Cover with a plastic bag then refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
How long should you blanch asparagus?
Here's how to blanch asparagus: Cook the asparagus in boiling water. Boil about 8 cups of water in a large pot on the stove and season with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. After washing and trimming 1 ½ pounds of asparagus, drop it into the pot of boiling water and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes or so.
How long does asparagus last in the fridge?
Asparagus tastes best when cooked the day you buy it. If that's not in the cards, store them as you would store cut flowers: Trim the bottoms and stand the spears up in a glass or jar with about an inch of water. Cover with a plastic bag then refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
How long should you blanch asparagus?
Here's how to blanch asparagus: Cook the asparagus in boiling water. Boil about 8 cups of water in a large pot on the stove and season with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. After washing and trimming 1 ½ pounds of asparagus, drop it into the pot of boiling water and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes or so.
How long will vacuum sealed asparagus last in the fridge?
around three daysAsparagus spoils particularly fast, so make sure it's always vacuum sealed. Typically, most of the produce you pick should be refrigerated and used quickly. Even so, asparagus only stays fresh for around three days, and the other items on this list will lose flavor or spoil in less than a week.
How do you blanch and freeze asparagus?
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add up to 1 pound of asparagus at a time to the boiling water. Let the asparagus blanch for 2 to 5 minutes depending on the thickness of the spears. When the time is up, immediately drain the blanched asparagus and transfer it to the cold water.