Freezing leftover asparagus?

Question

Hi All,

So, I was tempted at the market today by local fresh asparagus -- unfortunately it was pre-bundled, and so had to buy over a pound. It was delicious steamed for dinner tonight, but since I'm going out of town for the weekend tomorrow, I cooked it all, figuring it wouldn't keep over the weekend raw. I ate a lot of it, but still have some left. Was wondering if it would totally destroy it if I froze it, with the thought of using it in cream of asparagus soup or something later on. I could use some in an omlette tomorrow before I go, but I don't think I'll be able to eat it all up before I go. Any thought?

Thanks!

Dana

Answer

I'm buying local asparagus now and keeping it (uncooked) a week easily. Boo hoo for you.

Answer

I do it all the time but -- and here is the big but to this -- I only use the frozen asparagus in an omelette after it is frozen. Freezing does indeed turn it to a water-laden pile of green mush. To defrost, I place the bundle on several layers of folded paper towels and either defrost in the microwave or let it go at room temperature. Once defrosted, I change the paper towels and press out the excess moisture. At that point, they are dry and quite decent additions to a frittata or omelette, but they are also flat and not a very good texture for eating straight up. I couldn't imagine trying to serve them as a side dish once frozen.

Answer

I'd freeze it now, and use it for soup later.

Answer

Have you got time to whip up the soup now and then freeze THAT? Soup freezes beautifully but once those asparagus spears hit the ice they'll never be the same again.

Answer

Hi all -- thanks for the tips! I'm guessing I should have just kept it raw, but since I didn't, I think I will try freezing it for use in a soup. Thanks for the tips on how long it will keep fresh and for better ways to handle overages in the future:-)

Answer

One last thing I didn't mention. I'm sure it will work but honestly haven't tried it and that would be since it is already cooked ... blend it food processor or blender and then freeze. This way it wont get mushy and would be ready to put in a sauce or soup.
------------------------------
I made a great sherry, cream sauce with asparagus to go over salmon once. Just blended roasted asparagus with some cream and sherry, I think some dill s/p is all I used and heated it up. It was so easy and really good. The salmon was grilled with s/p and a lemon slice is all. I served the salmon on a bed of mashed leeks so the asparagus was a nice match to it.

Or put it right in a soup or even add to another creamed soup. 

Just a thought. Never pureed it first but why not?

Answer

Store your raw asparagus in a half glass of water uncovered in the fridge for well over a week. I have it grow taller in the fridge stored like this.

Answer

How much do you have left? Can you snack on it en route to your trip? Have some in eggs for breakfast?

Topics

Locations

Your post has been published!

Freezing leftover asparagus?

Chowhound Recommends

Recipe Round-Ups

13 Things to Do with BBQ Brisket Leftovers

More from Chowhound

Guides

The Ultimate Spring Produce Guide: What's in Season & How to Use It

Recipe Round-Ups

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes for Less Morning Stress

Guides

How to Care for Enameled Cast Iron So It Lasts a Lifetime

Home

The Best Tool to Clean a Wood Cutting Board Is Probably in Your Compost Bin

Trending Discussions

Chowhound Recipes That You are Saving

A Final Goodbye for Chowhound

Favorite Chowhound Memories

NY Times: Chowhound Closes After 25 Years of Food Obsession, Wisdom and Debate

January–April 2022 Baking COTM: DESSERT PERSON by Claire Saffitz

Quick Links

Latest Discussions

Cookbook of the Month

Dish of the Month

Weekly Menu Planning

Get fresh food news delivered to your inbox

12 Irish Foods to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day That Aren’t Corned Beef and Cabbage

Chowhound

Policies

Community

Editorial

Content