Thinking about how to store asparagus? You’re in the right place because here you’ll learn the best methods, whether fresh or cooked. Proper storage, either in a glass jar with water or an unsealed bag, ensures your asparagus lasts as long as possible, so it’ll be ready for you when you’re ready to make that perfect side dish!
The Best Way to Store Fresh Asparagus
The best way to store asparagus spears depends on when you’re going to eat it—within 1-2 days, or within 5-7 days. Different methods keep a bunch of asparagus fresh for certain amounts of time.
Eating within 1-2 Days:
With the rubber band still intact, loosely wrap the bunch of asparagus in a damp paper towel.
Place them in a breathable, unsealed plastic bag, then put in your vegetable drawer.
Eating within 5-7 Days:
With the rubber band still on, rinse the whole asparagus stalks under fresh water.
Cut the ends of the asparagus stalks with a sharp knife, and pat the asparagus dry.
Pour an inch of water into the glass jar.
Place the asparagus in a glass jar with the thick stems at the bottom, looking like a bouquet of flowers.
Cover the stalks loosely with Saran wrap or a breathable plastic bag.
Place the glass jar with the asparagus in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
The Best Way to Store Cooked Asparagus
The best way to store cooked asparagus is to place them in a shallow airtight container or a resealable produce bag after they have cooled off from cooking. They’ll last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How long does asparagus last?
Fresh asparagus can last up to 5-7 days in the fridge. Cooked asparagus lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Expert Tips & Tricks
The following tips work for all types of asparagus, whether white, purple, or green:
- For optimal storage, avoid using the top shelf of your fridge because top shelves are known to be the coldest spots and often freeze foods and vegetables.
- If you’re storing your asparagus like a bouquet of flowers, check the water after a few days, and if it’s cloudy, change it out.
- Do not overcrowd your asparagus. Instead, use multiple glass jars to give them space to breathe.
FAQ
To pick a fresh bundle of asparagus, look for spears that are straight and firm with a bright green or even violet color at the tips.
You won’t have much luck cooking with mushy asparagus. Throw it away and buy a fresh bunch.
The thickness of asparagus does not influence its flavor. Thicker stems can be just as tasty as thin spears.
Easy Asparagus Recipes & Resources
There’s so much more to asparagus than learning how to store it—especially when it comes to delicious ways to enjoy it! Dig into these resources and recipes next:
- Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Smell?
- Can You Freeze Asparagus?
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
- Roasted Asparagus with Garlic
- Cream of Asparagus Soup
- Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken & Asparagus
- 30-Minute Bruschetta Chicken and Asparagus
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus (Oven-Baked)
- Oven-Baked Parmesan Fries
How to Store Asparagus
Equipment
- 1 Colander optional
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 plastic bag
- 1 16-oz. mason jar
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus as needed
Instructions
Eating within 1-2 Days:
- With the rubber band still intact, loosely wrap the bunch of asparagus in a damp paper towel.
- Place them in a breathable, unsealed plastic bag, then put in your vegetable drawer.
Eating within 5-7 Days:
- With the rubber band still on, rinse the whole asparagus stalks under fresh water.
- Cut the ends of the asparagus stalks with a sharp knife, and pat the asparagus dry.
- Pour an inch of water into the glass jar.
- Place the asparagus in a glass jar with the thick stems at the bottom, looking like a bouquet of flowers.
- Cover the stalks loosely with Saran wrap or a breathable plastic bag.
- Place the glass jar with the asparagus in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
