How to keep asparagus fresh in the refrigerator
Prevent sad, soggy asparagus with these best ways to keep asparagus fresh in the fridge.
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Sharp knife to trim the woody ends of the asparagus
- Cheesecloth (Muslin cloth) or paper towel, to wrap the cut ends of the asparagus
- Canning jars (16 oz) or vase, to hold the asparagus upright in the fridge
- Zip-top bag (optional) to loosely cover the asparagus
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!
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