It is no secret that we love asparagus around here. Over the years of blogging, I shared many asparagus recipes, some of which became reader favorites as well. As soon as the asparagus season starts in early April, my Asparagus Salad, Puff Pastry Asparagus Tart, and Mushroom and Asparagus recipes get a lot of love from people around the world.
In today’s post, we are going back to basics. I am showing you how to keep asparagus fresh in the fridge so that you can get the most out of this delicious vegetable.
How to shop for asparagus?
During asparagus season, most grocery stores sell asparagus spears in a bin with a bit of water at the bottom, wrapped with a rubber band around the bunch.
Fresh asparagus has a shelf life of 3-5 days so it is best to take a minute to examine each to find the freshest bunch before you grab yours from the lineup. Make sure:
- The spears are straight and plump with a firm stem and vibrant green color.
- The decorative tips, aka asparagus crowns, are sharp and snappy.
- There are no signs of wilting or black spots.
- The ends of the asparagus are moist and tender (not dry and split).
- The bottom of the stalks are crisp and fresh.
How to store fresh asparagus?
Method 1: Short Term Storage – 1-2 days
If you are planning to use it right away, the best way to keep asparagus fresh is by wrapping the bunch with a few sheets of damp paper towel and placing it in a breathable plastic bag. Store it in the vegetable or crisper drawer of your fridge as soon as you come back from the grocery store.
Feel free to keep the rubber band around it so the spears stay intact.
Method 2: Long-Term Storage of Asparagus – upto 5 days
If you want to keep them fresh for longer, keep the spears in a glass with some water. To do so follow the below step by step guide:
- With the rubber band still holding the bunch together, trim an inch off the ends of the asparagus stalks using a sharp knife.
- Place an inch of water in the bottom of a deep mason jar or a drinking glass. Remove the rubber band and place the asparagus spears upright (with cut ends at the bottom) in the glass.
- Tent it with a clean plastic bag and use the rubber band to loosely secure it, making sure that the spears have enough room for air circulation.
- Place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making sure to change out the water if it starts to look cloudy.
Expert Storage Tips:
- Avoid the top shelf in the fridge: When storing fresh asparagus in the refrigerator, avoid placing it on the top shelf as some (older) fridges may freeze water. This may freeze the vegetable as well.
- Keep an eye on the water after 3 days: If it looks cloudy, be sure to change it. While doing so, examine the spears to make sure they are still in good condition and the asparagus does not have an acrid smell.
- Do your best not to overcrowd the glass jar: If you have a big bunch of asparagus (or multiple bunches), store them in separate jars/glasses.
- These storage tips work for all types of asparagus: This includes white asparagus, purple asparagus, thin and thicker spears.
How To Store Cooked Asparagus?
We’ve talked quite a bit about storing uncooked raw asparagus, but what about storing cooked asparagus?
Depending on the way you cook asparagus, you can store cooked asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
If you need a refresher on cooking asparagus and some recipe inspiration, below are a few of my favorite ways:
FAQs
Yes, it does. Otherwise, it will get moldy and lose its freshness quickly.
Asparagus will keep fresh for up to 5 days if you store fresh trimmed asparagus in a jar filled with an inch of cold water loosely covered with plastic.
No, it is best to wash it right before using it in your recipe.
Yes, but it is best to blanch asparagus first rather than freezing it while it is still fresh.
How To Store Fresh Asparagus
Equipment
- Glass Jars
- Plastic bags
- Rubber Band optional
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus
- cold water
Instructions
For short-term (1-2 days) storage:
- Wrap the bunch with a few sheets of damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag. Leave it open so that air can circulate through it.
- Store it in the vegetable or crisper drawer of your fridge as soon as you come back from the grocery store.
- Feel free to keep the rubber band around it so the spears stay intact.
For long term (up to 5 days) storage:
- With the rubber band still holding the bunch together, trim an inch off the ends of the asparagus stalks using a sharp knife.
- Place an inch of water at the bottom of a deep mason jar or a drinking glass. Remove the rubber band and place the asparagus spears upright (with cut ends at the bottom) in the glass.
- Tent it with a clean plastic bag and use the rubber band to loosely secure it, making sure that the spears have enough room for air circulation.
- Place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making sure to change out the water if it starts to look cloudy.
Video
Notes
- These storage tips work for all types of asparagus: This includes white asparagus, purple asparagus, thin and thicker spears.
- Avoid the top shelf in the fridge: When storing fresh asparagus in the refrigerator, avoid placing it on the top shelf as some (older) fridges may freeze water. This may freeze the vegetable as well.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hello, Ays,
First of all let me say that I love your recipes! The asparagus tart looks yummy.
I was confused by the directions for short term storage: What do you mean by a breathable plastic bag?
Thank you,
Michele
Hey Michele,
Thanks for your sweet words about my recipes.
Good question: I should have been more clear. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
What I mean by “Breathable plastic Bag” is that instead of covering it tightly with a plastic bag (most people also put a band around it), I would let it loose. You can even open up a small whole in it so that the asparagus can breath.
Does this make sense? Please let me know if I answered your question. Best, Aysegul
Thank you for the practical and detailed directions for storing fresh asparagus more than 2 days. Successful!
Happy to hear that you found it helpful Leah. Cheers!