FREEZING ASPARAGUS
Michigan State University Extension 
Preserving Food Safely - 01600039 
08/03/99 

Select young, tender stalks with compact tips. Sort 
according to thickness of stalk. 

Wash asparagus thoroughly and cut or break off and discard 
tough parts of stalks. Leave spears in lengths to fit the 
package or cut in 2-inch lengths. 

Water blanch according to thickness of stalk: 
Small stalks........................... 2 minutes 
Medium stalks.......................... 3 minutes 
Large stalks........................... 4 minutes 

Cool promptly in cold water and drain. 

Pack into containers, leaving no headspace. When packing 
spears, alternate tips and stem ends. In containers that 
are wider at the top than bottom, pack asparagus with tips 
down. Seal, label and freeze. 


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