If you've been trying to figure out how to go about freezing asparagus, we made this guide especially for you. We're going over step-by-step directions on how to freeze asparagus, plus answers to common questions.
Let's get going...
Can You Freeze Asparagus?
Quick Answer: Yes, you can absolutely freeze asparagus. The trick is to know all the key steps to preserve the flavor and texture, which we're going over in detail.
When you're ready to use your frozen asparagus, here's another guide to prepping, cooking and serving it (recipes included): What Does Asparagus Taste Like?
Directions for Freezing Asparagus
Step 1 - Trim the Asparagus Stalks
First, take clean asparagus stalks (green or white) and cut off the ends toward the thick side with a sharp knife.
You don't need to remove a lot, just the toughest part that you wouldn't want to eat, just like if you were preparing the asparagus to cook.
Step 2 - Get Ready to Blanch the Asparagus
Next, you'll need to set your kitchen up for blanching the asparagus and then cooling it down in an ice bath.
Blanching will inhibit the enzymes in the asparagus that break down flavor and texture characteristics over time in the freezer, so don't skip this step!
Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove to boil. Then fill a large bowl with cold water and plenty of ice and set it aside while you wait for the water to boil.
Step 3 - Blanch the Asparagus
When the water reaches a full boil, carefully add the asparagus spears with a slotted spoon or whichever utensil you prefer.
Blanch for just a few minutes—you don't want the asparagus to get overly cooked and mushy. Small spears will probably take no more than a couple of minutes while larger ones may need three or four.
Step 4 - Put the Asparagus in the Ice Bath
After the blanching time is up, remove the asparagus spears from the water with your slotted spoon and place them in the bowl of ice water.
Add more ice if you find that it melts right away and leave the asparagus to cool completely. This should take no more than a few minutes.
Step 5 - Dry the Asparagus
Next up is thoroughly drying the asparagus. First, grab a colander, place it in the sink and dump the asparagus in.
Using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, lay the asparagus spears on top and gently pat them dry.
Step 6 - Pre-Freeze the Asparagus
This step is the secret to avoiding a cluster of frozen asparagus that you can't pry apart later on.
Lay the asparagus on a nonstick tray or a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Then place the tray in the freezer for an hour or two, just long enough to freeze the asparagus through.
Step 7 - Transfer the Asparagus to a Freezer Container
The asparagus is now ready for the last step. One option is to transfer it to a freezer bag, making sure to squeeze all the air out before you seal it up.
If you prefer using a freezer-safe container, that's perfectly fine. Just fill it up all the way to the top so that there are no big air gaps.
And there you have it! Frozen asparagus that won't get overly mushy or tasteless in the freezer.
Bonus Tips
If you've ever been confused about how far up the stalk you're supposed to chop when trimming the asparagus, you're not alone. This is a pretty common question.
The video below is going to show you exactly how to trim asparagus without wasting any of the good parts and making sure to remove the tough parts.
For more helpful tips on food prep and grocery shopping, see our Vegan Grocery List for Beginners, a complete guide to shopping and cooking.
