Freezing Asparagus

by Karen
(Michigan)

I have 5 pounds of fresh asparagus and would like to freeze it for future use. I am not certain if the asparagus should be blanched first and then bagged, or just wash and bag it fresh without any cooking process? Could you please help me? Thank you.

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Sassy Sez: Hi Karen - Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables. The season is SO quick for them, that I can understand your wanting to freeze some for later use.

Unfortunately, asparagus is a delicate veggie, and since freezing changes the cell wall of the asparagus, you could likely end up with a mushy end result when all is said and done.

That said, it's worth a try.

So here's what I would do...

Blanch a pound of asparagus for 1-3 minutes, plunge it into an ice water bath until completely cooled, then let air dry. Then lay the asparagus in a single file on a baking sheet (or similar) and place in the freezer until frozen. Then remove the asparagus, and place into freezer bags. Can be stored this way for about a month.

Next, take another pound of your asparagus, and freeze it without blanching first.

Later, when it's time to cook it up, cook it from its frozen state.

Which worked best for your taste buds?

I know, not very scientific. And many people feel that asparagus is just one of those veggies that should never be frozen. I'll leave it up to you to decide.

In the meantime, since you are bursting with fresh asparagus, try these amazing Vegan Grilled Asparagus Wrapsi? Oy! Be still my heart! xo