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You never plan to let your asparagus spoil, but it happens sometimes. Prevent sad, soggy spears with these best ways to keep asparagus fresh in the refrigerator.
Sometimes, you bring home fresh asparagus, only to find it wilted and mushy days later. Frustrating, right? Good news—there’s a simple way to keep it fresh and crisp for up to 10 days!
In spring, when asparagus is at its peak, I always stock up, freezing some to enjoy that fresh flavor year-round. Here, you’ll learn how to properly store asparagus in the refrigerator so it stays fresh longer.
And if you want it to last even more, learn how to freeze asparagus or even try quick pickled asparagus! Plus, when you’re ready to cook, don’t miss my asparagus soups recipe and these 6 simple ways to cook asparagus!
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Steps to keeping asparagus fresh
1. Choose the best asparagus: Start by choosing the best asparagus at the store. Look for firm stalks with bright green or violet tips, moist cut ends, and no signs of spoilage.
2. Quick Storage for 3-5 Days: If you plan to use the asparagus within 5 days, gently wrap the ends of the stalks in a damp cloth or paper towel (wring it mostly dry first). Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate, preferably in the vegetable crisper drawer, to keep it fresh and crisp.
3. The “Flower Vase” method for longer freshness: For longer storage, try the “flower vase” method. Start by trimming the woody ends of the spears. Snap one spear, and it should break off naturally at the right point (usually about 1-1 ½ inches). You can use that as a guide to line up the remaining spears (or keep them within their rubber band) and trim them with a sharp knife in one go.
Place the trimmed asparagus in a large glass or jar (like a mason jar) filled with about an inch of cold water. Loosely cover the asparagus with a plastic bag to protect it from dust and odors.
Refrigerate the jar and replace the fresh water every 1-2 days. This method can help keep your asparagus fresh for about 10 days, though I’ve had it last up to 12 days!
FAQs
It’s best not to wash asparagus before storing it, as excess moisture can cause it to spoil faster. Instead, wait until you’re ready to cook it, then rinse it well. If you do wash it beforehand, be sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent any moisture from speeding up spoilage.
Asparagus can last 3-5 days in the fridge when stored properly. Using the “flower vase” method can help it last up to 10 days, with fresh water changes every 1-2 days.
If your asparagus has dark green, mushy ends, faded color, or mold, it’s no longer fresh. It may also feel soft, shriveled, or slimy, and smell sour instead of fresh.
More ingredient guides
- How to Eat and Store Radish Greens
- How to Freeze Spinach (The Best Way!)
- What Are Fava Beans and How to Cook Them
- How to Freeze Green Beans – The Complete Guide
- What Is Rhubarb and How to Freeze It
If you try this easy methods to keep asparagus fresh in the refrigerator, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
How to keep asparagus fresh in the refrigerator
Equipment
- Sharp knife to trim the woody ends of the asparagus
- Damp cloth or paper towel to wrap the cut ends of the asparagus
- Glass jar or vase to hold the asparagus upright in the fridge
- Plastic bag (optional) to loosely cover the asparagus
Ingredients
- 14 oz asparagus fresh and firm, with bright green or violet tips
Instructions
To use within 5 days
- Wrap the ends of the spears in a damp cloth (wring it out so it's just slightly damp). Place in an airtight container and refrigerate, preferably in the vegetable crisper drawer.
To keep for 10+ days
- Trim the woody ends by snapping one spear to find the natural break (usually 1-1 ½ inches). Use it as a guide to trim the rest, either by lining them up or keeping them in the rubber band.
- Transfer the trimmed asparagus to a large glass or jar filled with an inch of fresh, cold water. I also like to cover it loosely with a plastic bag to keep away dust and odors.
- Place the jar in the fridge and change the water every 1-2 days to keep it fresh.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
