How to Keep Asparagus Fresh in the Refrigerator

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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.

Asparagus in a small cup with water

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.

Fresh asparagus on a flat surface

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.

Storing asparagus in a cotton bag

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!

Steps for trimming and storing asparagus

FAQs

Should I wash asparagus before storing in the fridge?

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.

How long does asparagus last in the fridge?

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.

How to tell if asparagus is bad?

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

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

5 from 3 votes
By: Samira
Prevent sad, soggy asparagus with these best ways to keep asparagus fresh in the fridge.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4

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

You can use all types of asparagus: Not just green. These tips work for white or purple asparagus and spears of all thicknesses.
Save any scraps: The woody ends can be added to a freezer bag of veggie scraps to turn into vegetable stock or asparagus end soup.
Don’t store in a cold spot: I like to place the wrapped asparagus in my crisper drawer and the upright “flower vase” at the front of the 2nd or 3rd shelf (not the top shelf) in my fridge. Keep it away from the very back/cooling system; otherwise, it can freeze and become mushy.
Don’t overcrowd: It’s best if the spears have a little room to breathe, so split the spears between several jars if needed.
Only wash before cooking: If you wash it before storing and don’t thoroughly dry the spears, it can lead to premature spoiling.
Keep the stems moist: This is important as the longer they dry out, the more you’ll need to trim from the bottom.
Check the blog post for more tips and FAQs!
Course: Ingredient Preparation
Cuisine: Global
Shelf life: 10-12 days

Nutrition

Calories: 20kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.04g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 200mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 750IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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