I get excited about spring produce. After a long winter of root vegetables and heavy stews, I’m ready for fresh and vibrant greens. When the farmers market opens, the stalls are filled with radishes of varying colors, salad greens, fennel, rhubarb and as many berries as you can pack into your bag. My personal favorite, though, is asparagus. Spring asparagus bursts with flavor, and it tastes great no matter what asparagus recipe you use.
Asparagus doesn’t have an infinite shelf life, though, so you may be wondering how to tell if asparagus is bad. There are a few telltale signs that indicate asparagus has gone from good to past-its-prime.
Signs Your Asparagus Has Gone Bad
Like most spoiled food, you’ll want to pay attention to the texture, color and smell of the asparagus.
The tips tend to go soft first, followed by a shriveling of the stems. The stalks will go from bright green and firm to dull-colored and limp when it’s starting to reach its expiration date. By the time the tips turn black, you’ll notice they’re completely mushy and probably smell a little funky, too.
If your asparagus is slimy or sticky, feels mushy and soft, smells foul or has visible signs of mold, it’s time to toss it.
How to Pick Asparagus at the Store
To maximize the storage time of asparagus, you’ll want to pick the best bunch before you leave the grocery store or farmers market. Look for bunches with firm, bright green stems. The stalks should stand straight and have a smooth, unwrinkled texture. It’s always best to look for a bunch with similarly-sized stalks, a good asparagus cooking tip to help each stem cook evenly.
If you see a bunch of asparagus with slimy tops, or if the stems look limp, dull or wrinkled, select a different bundle.
The Best Way to Store Asparagus
Asparagus really tastes best the day you buy it. But if asparagus isn’t on the meal plan that night, you’ll want to store it correctly so it will stay good for as long as possible.
How to Store Raw Asparagus
If you have space in your refrigerator, store asparagus like you see it at the grocery store: upright, like flowers. Trim a tiny bit off the bottom of the stems and place the asparagus, stem-side down, in a mason jar with an inch of water. Cover the tops loosely with a plastic bag. Asparagus should last four to five days this way.
When upright storage isn’t in the cards, wrap the asparagus stems with a damp paper towel. Store them in a plastic bag or reusable produce bag in the crisper drawer, where they’ll last three to four days. Check the paper towel to make sure it’s still damp and turn the bag over every day to prevent asparagus from getting mushy on the bottom.
Can you freeze raw asparagus? You bet! It’s best to blanch it quickly to set the color, which also helps the asparagus maintain its crisp texture when it thaws. That said, blanching is not required, so do it if you have time, and don’t worry if you don’t.
To freeze asparagus, cut the stalks into 1-inch pieces if desired, or freeze the stalks whole. Keep the asparagus in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, where they’ll be good for about a year.
How to Store Cooked Asparagus
To store cooked asparagus, pop it into an airtight container and store it, covered, in the refrigerator, where it lasts three to four days. It will become less crisp every day, and it will probably be very soft by the last day.
You can always freeze cooked asparagus, too, which will help to preserve its texture. Freeze the asparagus in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to a year.
Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake
I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Asparagus Nicoise Salad
I’ve used my Nicoise as an appetizer or a main-dish salad, and it’s a winner every time I put it on the table. Here’s to a colorful, make-ahead salad! —Jan Meyer, St. Paul, Minnesota
Asparagus with Fresh Basil Sauce
Add flair to your appetizer platter with this easy asparagus starter. The dip also doubles as a flavorful sandwich spread. —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas
Feta Asparagus Frittata
Asparagus and feta cheese come together to make this frittata extra special. Perfect for a lazy Sunday or to serve with a tossed salad for a light lunch. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Asparagus Beef Lo Mein
This springtime beef lo mein recipe is as easy as it gets. Ramen noodles make it extra fun. —Dottie Wanat, Modesto, California
Salmon and Spud Salad
I headed straight for the kitchen when I decided to pick up a healthier lifestyle. This salmon with veggies proves that smart choices can be simple and satisfying. —Matthew Teixeira, Milton, Ontario
Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic Dressing
I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Asparagus Tofu Stir-Fry
With its flavorful ginger sauce and fresh vegetables, this tasty dish is a favorite. I get rave reviews every time I serve it, and it doesn’t bother my husband’s food allergies. Check out our guide if you’re new to tofu. —Phyllis Smith, Chimacum, Washington
Radish Asparagus Salad
Lemon zest and mustard in the dressing add the perfect punch to crisp asparagus and crunchy radishes in this fresh spring salad. My family loves it! —Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario
Fontina Asparagus Tart
This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It's a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised…your guests will be vying for the last tasty slice. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Spring Asparagus
This fresh and colorful side dish is delicious served warm or cold. I get lots of compliments on the homemade dressing. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Asparagus Ham Strata
You can easily prepare this the night before for a luncheon, or in the morning for dinner. I serve it year-round for large groups, like my card and garden clubs, and make it for picnics and other occasions. Nearly every time I do, someone requests the recipe! —Ethel Pressel, New Oxford, Pennsylvania
Salmon Vegetable Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette
A bounty of vegetables keeps this salad light on calories, while salmon makes it hearty enough for a meal. It's become a springtime staple at our house. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
Artichoke & Lemon Pasta
While sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Try it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Veggie Nicoise Salad
More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish...and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
Asparagus Swiss Quiche
Fresh asparagus stars along with bacon, onion and Swiss cheese in this hearty quiche. —Mary Ann Taylor, Rockwell, Iowa
Tuscan-Style Roasted Asparagus
This is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season, and it's so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold. This is how to bake asparagus. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, MassachusettsOvernight Asparagus Strata
I've made this tasty egg dish for breakfast, brunch, even dinner as a side dish. This is not your run-of-the-mill strata. —Lynn Licata, Sylvania, Ohio
Parmesan Asparagus
Nothing could be more simple than this side dish. Since it has just four ingredients, I assemble it in no time, then pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. It turns out perfect every time. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Roast Beef Aioli Bundles
Don't let these dainty bundles fool you. They're so perfectly balanced, everyone will gobble them up! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tarragon Asparagus Salad
I love asparagus, and I love it even more when drizzled with my light, lemony vinaigrette dressing with a touch of tarragon. It's perfect as a side for fresh spring meals. —Linda Lace, Winter Park, Florida
Asparagus & Cheese Frittata
This rich and creamy frittata begins in the skillet and ends in the oven. We like this melty, cheesy dish with salad on the side. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Savory Asparagus Strata
Fresh asparagus and goat cheese combine to make a delectable strata. Assemble it a day ahead and let it chill overnight for an easy brunch!—Lynda Ruce, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mushroom Asparagus Quiche
Loads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you'll have dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus
Showcase asparagus when you dress it in fresh rosemary and red potatoes for an earthy counterpoint to the fresh, green spears. Add minced garlic and you get a gorgeous, flavorful side dish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Honey-Lemon Asparagus
Everyone who tastes my glazed asparagus takes a second helping, so I usually double the recipe. For another option, try using a root vegetable like turnip or parsnip. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Asparagus Frittata
You would never guess that egg substitute is used in this fun variation on the classic asparagus frittata. —James Bates, Hermiston, Oregon
Chicken Sausage & Gnocchi Skillet
I had a bunch of fresh veggies and combined them with sausage, gnocchi and goat cheese when I needed a quick dinner. Mix and match your own ingredients for unique results. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
Garden Risotto
With asparagus, spinach and peas, this simple side adds spectacular flavor and tons of health benefits from green veggies. Add some Parmesan cheese, and you've got one delectable dish! —Kendra Doss, Kansas City, Missouri
Lemon-Roasted Asparagus
When it comes to fixing asparagus, I think it's hard to go wrong. The springy flavors in this easy recipe burst with every bite. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Turkey Club Roulades
Weeknights turn elegant when these short-prep roulades with familiar ingredients are on the menu. Not a fan of turkey? Substitute lightly pounded chicken breasts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon
This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Asparagus Cream Cheese Omelet
When asparagus is in season, it makes an appearance at almost all of my meals. It tastes fantastic in this cheese omelette, and it looks pretty, too. —Jane Cain, Junction City, Ohio
Baked Cod Piccata with Asparagus
It takes longer for the oven to preheat than it does to prepare this delicious, good-for-you dish. While it’s baking, I throw together a quick salad. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Asparagus Turkey Stir-Fry
When people try this dish, they ask for the recipe, just as I did when I first tasted it when visiting a friend's home. Tossed in a delicious lemon sauce, this simple skillet dish is sure to satisfy on the busiest of nights. It's a great way to use leftover turkey. —May Evans, Corinth, KentuckyThe post How to Tell If Asparagus Is Bad appeared first on Taste of Home.
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