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Learning how to freeze asparagus is a great way to preserve this short season vegetable. A freezer stash of frozen asparagus opens the door to amazing and speedy meals.
Fresh asparagus season is way too short. If you want to enjoy asparagus for longer than six weeks each year, freezing your own 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!
Use extra fresh stalks to make Instant Pot Asparagus or Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.
Can You Freeze Fresh Asparagus Without Blanching?
Unfortunately, no. Asparagus needs to be blanched prior to freezing. Unblanched asparagus will be mealy and grainy when defrosted or cooked.
How Long Do You Blanch Asparagus?
Depending on the size of your stalks, you’ll only need to blanch asparagus for 1-3 minutes.
Blanching time for fresh asparagus:
- 1-2 minutes for thin stalks
- 2 minutes for medium stalks
- 3 minutes for thicker stalks
That’s it! Easy peasy. If you’re working with a lot of asparagus, you can knock out multiple batches in under 15 minutes.
PRO TIPS/RECIPE NOTES
- If you plan on using frozen asparagus for dishes where it should be chopped (stir fry, casseroles, etc.,) cut the asparagus to your desired size before blanching.
- There is no need to thaw frozen asparagus before adding it to dishes or roasting.
- When using frozen asparagus in recipes, you do not need to adjust the cooking time.
- Frozen asparagus will keep in the freezer for 3-6 months.
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How to Freeze Asparagus
Ingredients
- asparagus
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silpat.
- Set up a bowl full of ice water. Place a clean kitchen towel unfolded and flat on the counter.
- 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.asparagus
- Clean and rinse asparagus well.
- 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 stalks*3 minutes for thicker stalks
- Once the time is up, use tongs to remove the asparagus from the boiling water, and immediately add to the ice water for 5 minutes.
- Remove the chilled asparagus from the ice water and lay it flat on clean kitchen towels. Blot dry.
- Place the chilled and dry asparagus on the baking sheet without crowding the tray and place the tray in the freezer.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours (thicker stalks may need an additional hour).
- Break apart any stalks that have stuck together and transfer to freezer-proof storage.
Notes
- If you plan on using frozen asparagus for dishes where it should be chopped (stir fry, casseroles, etc.,) cut the asparagus to your desired size before blanching.
- There is no need to thaw frozen asparagus before adding it to dishes or roasting.
- When using frozen asparagus in recipes, you do not need to adjust the cooking time.
- Will last in the freezer for 3-6 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What is the consistency once roasted? I like mine to not be mushy like the canned ones you buy.
I love mine CRISPY. These won’t be as roasted as fresh but very very close.