Kitchen Tip: How to Keep Asparagus Fresh for a Long Time
I’m checking in really fast today with a super simple tip that I kind of thought everyone knew (maybe you do??);
I’m sharing it because I was storing my asparagus this way last week when my friend was over, opened my fridge, and said “What?? How come you never told me I should keep my asparagus like that?” and told me I better share with the world or else.
So here you go.
If you have a bundle of asparagus and want to keep it fresh for a long time, leave the rubber band on, pop it into a quart-sized (wide-mouth works best) or appropriately-sized jar or other container and fill about a third of the way with cool water.
Place the entire thing in the refrigerator and prepare to be amazed when next week (and maybe even the week after) your asparagus is still crisp and delicious. This is the only way I store my asparagus unless I’m planning on using it in, like, 5 seconds.
You can cover the top with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag to keep out odors or unwanted crumbs, although I’m sure your fridge is spotless and you probably don’t need to worry about either (mine, on the other hand…).
I’ve kept it in a jar like this for up to two weeks and I always want to smother it with kisses when it emerges fresh as the day I bought it.
This works great thank you. I do my asparagus and my cilantro that way. Keeps for days!
Wow this is the tip I needed in my life! Can’t believe I’ve never tried this! I store fresh scallions, cilantro, and parsley the same way and it works great and way extends the life!
This is the most wonderful tip I have ever read. I buy 3 bunches at a time when the price is right (and sometimes when it’s not). I can’t believe I didn’t know this!!! It is a huge food saver for those of us on a budget. Thank you, thank you, thank you
How about cutting the bottoms off first?
Well sweet mercy. Where has this brilliance been all my asparagus-loving life?? So glad I did a general asparagus search on your website and found this! Thanks, Mel!
THANKS!
I like to cut off about an inch or so of core of lettuce greens like romaine and place in a bowl of water for a few hours then dry it off with a terry cloth towel and store in a large plastic bag. It really perks up and adds many days to it.
We just bought a giant bag at Costco and I remembered your post on here and I’m about to do this right now so we don’t have to throw more than half of it away like last time! Thanks for the tip!
And if you ever get limp, flimsy broccoli, just cut of a bit of the stem, place it in some cold water in a cup and you’ll have super firm, crisp broccoli again.
Thanks!
I store cilantro the exact same way, which is perfect for always having some around for making salsa or adding to a dinner. Glad to know it works with asparagus too!
Brilliant!
This is great info! Now I won’t hesitate to buy asparagus again!
I was going to mention that the top shelf should be avoided because the water sometimes freezes and I have noticed I don’t get the desired results if it is too cold.
Looks pretty too!
Ah! Asparagus usually doesn’t see much fridge time in our house, but there was that one time a bunch hid in the back of my fridge. Prepping it in a jar of water would keep it in good eye sight too. 🙂
I so needed to know this!!!!!!!! I am so happy!
Genius!
This is how I store asparagus. Do you have any tips on storing cleaned lettuce for salads? I like to clean it ahead so it’s ready to go. But after a day or two it starts turning brown…yuck!
Cindi =^..^=
I usually wash the lettuce (the whole head of romaine or green or whatever) and then try to dry as much as possible – then wrap in paper towels and store in a resealable bag. It seems to last longer that way.
Thank you for sharing this! The only economical way to buy food here on Kauai is to buy everything at Costco ( the price difference is huge here!) so I have a hard time using my asparagus up before it goes bad. I’m sure this will help so much!
might i suggest looking into the many methods of successfully freezing asparagus…also you can make recipes such as quiche etc. that you can also cook then freeze.
this works for cilantro too! Put in a glass jar, with an inch or so of water, and a plastic bag over the top. Lasts weeks instead of days!
I honestly never thought of this, Mel. I just took the asparagus in my crisper and put it in a water bath. Hope it’s not too late. Great tip!! :-*
Thanks for this tip! I always want to stock up when asparagus goes down to $2/pound, but I know I’ll never use it on time. And then two days later it’s $5/pound…
What Leah said! Asparagus has been at a good price lately and I love it and have been dreading the week I walk in the store and find the price doubled. As I read the post, I wondered about broccolini so thanks to the above commenter Rachel!
No. Way.
Yes, I also do this…and with parsley and cilantro as well. Every couple days or so, I replace the water, give the lower stems a really good rinse, and do a new thin slice off the bottom. I like to place a thin plastic bag loosely over the top, I think it helps slow down evaporation from the greens. I pretty much treat fresh cut flowers the same way–replacing the water, rinsing the stems, and doing a fresh cut. Seems to make them last longer than the preservative stuff that comes with them. 🙂
It’s great that you are sharing this tip, Mel! I’ve been storing asparagus like this for years, and it really does keep it fresh for a few weeks.
Oh- and scallions keep well stored this way, too! Cover the jar with a plastic bag and store in the fridge. They will stay fresh for a week or more!
Works great for Broccolini as well.
You’re so right; this works wonderfully. We too have been doing this, and keeping asparagus fresh for two weeks! Ever chopped up your celery into sticks, then wrapped in foil? It will stay crisp a lot longer too 😉
Umm, what?? I had no clue. Now I feel the need to go buy asparagus just so I can put it in a mason jar in my fridge. 😉 Thanks for the tip!
Oh, I never knew this! Thank you for all the good ideas and tips you pass along. I recently purchased quart jars from making your delicious homemade yogurt.