The first local asparagus spears of the year have a convincing taste, but the price is hardly affordable. What remains are a few weeks in the year when the price falls and the quality is still good. Now it's time to grab and freeze a few sticks for later.

Asparagus should be frozen peeled

When is it time for the freezer?

The annual asparagus season only lasts a few weeks, at least when it comes to local asparagus spears. Imported goods can now almost always be found in supermarkets, but the long-travelled sticks do not quite come close to the quality of freshly cut sticks.

The "real" asparagus season in May and June is therefore the only true time for connoisseurs to enjoy it fresh. But it's also the best time to stock up in the freezer. It is almost a year before the next harvest, and so the asparagus appetite can be wonderfully satisfied from the freezer.

Difficult to peel or freeze with the peel?

Stripping thinly bar by bar takes a lot of time. However, this step is essential before consumption. However, whether he will be taken care of before or after the freeze is another question. The following speaks in favor of investing this time before freezing:

  • the frozen asparagus can be used immediately
  • thawed asparagus is harder to peel
  • saves time for later cooking activities

If time is short, it is better to freeze the spears unpeeled. Storing them until there is free time to prepare them robs them of a great deal of their freshness and quality.

Freeze asparagus

The asparagus spears are freed from coarse dirt under water and then peeled if possible. After the sticks have dried, they can be placed in portions in suitable freezer containers.

The containers should still be labeled with the contents and date before looking for a place in the freezer for them.

Peel frozen asparagus

If the frozen asparagus spears are still wrapped in their shells, they must be freed before further preparation. As thawed sticks lose their firmness and consequently feel soft in the hand, peeling is a challenge that is solved as follows:

  1. Soak a frozen asparagus stalk in hot water for about three minutes. The thin shell thaws in this short time, while the inside remains frozen and thus hard.
  2. Peel off the peel with a vegetable peeler.
  3. Continue making bar by bar until you have finished peeling the entire batch.

tips

Be careful when peeling frozen asparagus as the spears are very fragile in this state.

durability and use

Asparagus is stored in the freezer at minus 18 degrees Celsius, where it will keep for 6 to 8 months. It is processed further without being thawed if it has already been peeled. Otherwise, a short thawing, as described above, is sufficient.

Conclusion for fast readers:

  • Best time: The peak season in May and June is the best time to fill up the freezer
  • Skin: Asparagus spears can be frozen with the skin on, but it is better to peel them first
  • Advantage: Fresh asparagus is easier to peel than deep-frozen ones, and can be processed later immediately
  • Preparation: Clean the asparagus spears under running water and then peel them with a vegetable peeler
  • Packing: Place dried asparagus spears in portions in suitable containers
  • Labeling: For a better overview in the chest, the containers are labeled with the contents and date
  • Peeling afterwards: If the asparagus is still unpeeled, it must be peeled before further processing
  • Challenge: Thawed asparagus feels soft in the hand, which makes peeling almost impossible
  • Solution: Thaw only the shell while the inside of the stick remains frozen and consequently solid
  • Step 1: Dip a frozen spear of asparagus in hot water for three seconds
  • Step 2: Remove the thawed peel with a vegetable peeler
  • Step 3: Do the same with other sticks until they are all peeled
  • Tip: Peel the asparagus carefully, as frozen spears break easily
  • Shelf life: 6 to 8 months at minus 18 degrees Celsius
  • Thawing: Peeled asparagus spears are further processed in the frozen state
  • Exception: Thaw briefly if peeling is necessary, then process while still almost frozen

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:

  • as a free PDF file to print out yourself

Category:

Vegetable garden