How to Freeze Asparagus
Learning how to freeze asparagus is a great way to preserve this super short season vegetable. A freezer stash of frozen produce opens the door to amazing and speedy meals.
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Asparagus season is way too short. If you love to enjoy it for longer than six weeks a year, freezing your own fresh asparagus is definitely the way to go!
And unlike canning, it requires zero special equipment or skills. If you can put a tray into a freezer, you can do this!
Does Asparagus Freeze Well?
It does! And it is very easy to use frozen asparagus – stir-fries, soups, casseroles, and you can even roast it using the time chart in this post on How to Roast Frozen Vegetables.
Whether it is Air Fryer Asparagus or in this Paleo Frittata, fresh or frozen asparagus is a super versatile vegetable to have on hand.
Do I have to Blanch Asparagus Before Freezing?
Yes! According to the NCHFP, “blanching stops enzyme actions which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture. Blanching cleanses the surface of dirt and organisms, brightens the color and helps retard loss of vitamins. Underblanching stimulates the activity of enzymes and is worse than no blanching. Overblanching causes loss of flavor, color, vitamins and minerals”. (source)
Thankfully, it’s super easy to blanch your asparagus. You’ll just need to bring a pot of water to a boil, add the asparagus, and cook for 1-3 minutes depending on the size of the stalks. Scoop the slices out with a slotted spoon and put into a bowl with ice water. THAT’S IT.
PRO TIPS/RECIPE NOTES
- If you’re planning on using it for stir-fries or chopped for other dishes, cut your asparagus to your desired size before blanching.
- There is no need to thaw before adding to dishes.
- You do not need to shorten the cooking time for dishes when using it frozen.
MORE HELPFUL “HOW TO” POSTS
- Check out all my tasty recipes that use asparagus
- How to Freeze Garlic
- Freezing Peaches
- How to Freeze Cranberries
- How to Freeze Carrots
- Freezing Cherries
- How to Freeze Onions
- How to Freeze Spinach
- Freezing Blueberries
- How to Freeze Celery
- Freezing Strawberries
- How to Cut a Watermelon
- Where to Buy Bone Broth
- How to Cut a Peach
- How to Segment an Orange
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A freezer stash of frozen produce opens the door to amazing and speedy meals.
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef's knife
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 colander or tongs
- 1 mixing bowl
- ice
- 2 clean kitchen towels
- 1 rimmed baking sheet
- 1 silpat or baking sheet
- freezer bags {strive for reusable}
Grasp one stalk of asparagus and put one hand under the tip and one hand at the bottom. Snap it in one motion. Where it breaks indicates the most tender part of the stalk. You can cut the rest of the bunch at about the same level.
Clean and rinse asparagus well.
Set up a bowl full of ice water. Place a clean kitchen towel unfolded and flat on the counter.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
Add asparagus to boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes for thin stalks, 2 minutes for medium, and 3 minutes for thicker stalks.
Once the time is up, use tongs to remove the asparagus and immediately add to the ice water for two minutes.
Strain again and set aside to drain.
Spread out on the clean towel and blot dry.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silpat.
Add the asparagus to the baking sheet without crowding the tray and place the tray in the freezer.
Freeze for two hours (thicker stalks may need an additional hour).
Break apart any stalks that have stuck together and transfer to freezer-proof storage.
If you're planning on using for stir-fries or chopped for other dishes, cut your asparagus to your desired size before blanching.
There is no need to thaw before adding to dishes.
Store unblanched in the freezer for up to two months, or blanched for up to 12 months.
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