Asparagus lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge, 5 months frozen
Quick answer
-
Fridge
Keeps for 3-4 days
Keep asparagus in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and wash it under running water right before you prepare it.
Watch out Cut away damaged or bruised areas before you cook it, and throw away asparagus that looks rotten.
-
Freezer
Keeps for 5 months
Blanch the asparagus in boiling water or in a microwave oven, chill it rapidly, then freeze it.
Watch out Don't freeze it raw, because vegetables need brief, partial cooking first to prevent deterioration.
Asparagus lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge, according to USDA FoodKeeper. You can freeze it for 5 months if you blanch it first. FoodKeeper lists no counter time, so keep it in a clean fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Buying asparagus this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
- A note like “fridge, use within a week”
- One list shared with everyone at home
Fresh asparagus lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge, and you can freeze it for 5 months. Those times come from USDA FoodKeeper, which counts them from the date of purchase.
This guide covers how to store asparagus, how to freeze it, and what to do with spears that look rotten. It also covers washing.
How to store asparagus
Store asparagus in the fridge, where it keeps 3 to 4 days. Cook it or freeze it before that time runs out.
How to store asparagus in the fridge
Keep asparagus in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. That’s the FDA’s advice for perishable fresh produce. Refrigerate pre-cut or packaged asparagus as well.
To keep the spears upright, trim the stems and stand them in a jar of water. Set a loose plastic bag over the tops before you put the jar in the fridge.
Can you keep asparagus on the counter?
FoodKeeper doesn’t list a counter time for asparagus, so keep it in the fridge. Its only listed times are for the fridge and the freezer.
Can you freeze asparagus?
Yes. You can freeze asparagus for 5 months, as long as you blanch it first. Blanching means cooking it briefly and partially first.
Can you freeze asparagus raw?
Not without blanching it first. The USDA says most vegetables that freeze well are low acid and need brief, partial cooking before freezing to prevent deterioration. Blanch the spears in boiling water or in a microwave oven, then chill them rapidly before freezing.
How to freeze asparagus
Blanch the spears, chill them rapidly, then freeze them. FoodKeeper gives frozen asparagus 5 months.
- Choose spears that aren’t bruised or damaged, and trim the stems.
- Wash them under plain running water.
- Blanch the spears in boiling water or in a microwave oven.
- Chill them rapidly.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and freeze them, then move them to a freezer bag or container.
How long does asparagus last in the fridge?
Asparagus lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. In the freezer it lasts 5 months, counted the same way.
| Where | How long it lasts |
|---|---|
| Fridge | 3 to 4 days |
| Freezer | 5 months |
How to tell if asparagus is bad
Throw away asparagus that looks rotten. Cut away damaged or bruised areas before you cook or eat the rest, as the FDA advises for all fresh produce.
Go by the calendar too. FoodKeeper counts fridge time from the date of purchase, so plan to cook asparagus within 3 to 4 days of buying it.
What to look for when you buy asparagus
Choose asparagus that isn’t bruised or damaged. For pre-cut or packaged asparagus, choose only items that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
Should you wash asparagus?
Yes. Wash asparagus thoroughly under running water before you prepare or eat it.
Rub the spears gently under plain running water. You don’t need soap, detergent, or a produce wash, and the FDA doesn’t recommend them, because produce is porous and can absorb them.
Dry the spears with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them.
Frequently asked questions
How long does frozen asparagus last?
Frozen asparagus keeps for 5 months, according to USDA FoodKeeper. That time is counted from the date of purchase.
Can you blanch asparagus in the microwave?
Yes. The USDA says to blanch or partially cook vegetables in boiling water or in a microwave oven, then chill them rapidly before freezing.
What temperature should the fridge be for asparagus?
Keep the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. That's the FDA's advice for perishable fresh produce.
Should you wash asparagus with soap?
No. Soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash aren't recommended, because produce is porous and can absorb them. Plain running water is all you need.
Does washing remove all bacteria from asparagus?
No. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn't eliminate them. Drying the spears with a clean cloth or paper towel reduces bacteria further.
Do you need to refrigerate packaged asparagus?
Yes. The FDA says to refrigerate all produce that you buy pre-cut or packaged.
