How long does asparagus last?

Fresh asparagus keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge from the day you buy it. Blanched, it keeps about 5 months in the freezer.

Food	Fridge	Freezer
Asparagus	3–4 daysfrom purchase	5 monthsfrom purchase

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if asparagus has gone bad

Mushy, slimy tips, the first part to spoil.
Dark green or black, wet-looking spears, or mold.
A sour or unpleasant smell. Wrinkled, limp spears have lost moisture: trim and cook them soon.

How to store asparagus

Trim the ends and stand the spears upright in a jar with 2 to 3 cm (1 inch) of water, like a bouquet.
Cover the tips loosely with a plastic bag and keep the jar in the fridge.
Don't wash asparagus until you cook it.
Cook it within 3 to 4 days: it loses sweetness quickly.

Can you freeze asparagus?

Yes, for about 5 months. Trim the spears, blanch them for 2 to 4 minutes depending on thickness, cool them in ice water, dry them and freeze them in a single layer before bagging. Cook them from frozen; they're softer than fresh, so roast, sauté or add them to soups and quiches.

Questions

Should asparagus be stored in water?

Yes, standing upright in a little water in the fridge keeps it fresh and crisp longer.

How long does cooked asparagus last?

3 to 4 days in the fridge, in a sealed container.

Can you eat asparagus with slimy tips?

Cut off the slimy parts; if the rest of the spear is firm and smells fresh, it's fine. If the slime has spread, throw it out.

Add asparagus to ShelfLife, and get a reminder to cook it while it's at its best.

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