Asparagus: Season, Peeling, Storage and Freezing
Asparagus is the quintessential vegetable of spring. Whether tender and mild as white asparagus or intensely aromatic in green, both varieties have their own distinct character and win us over year after year. To help you get everything right when shopping, peeling and storing, here's a compact rundown of all the essentials. From the season to freezing, from checking for freshness to the proper prep technique.
Ingredients
- white asparagus, grown underground; needs peeling
- green asparagus, grown above ground, stronger flavour; no peeling needed
Instructions
- Check for freshness: The cut end should be smooth and moist. Ideally, a little juice still appears when you press it gently. Fresh asparagus is crisp rather than bendy, and the tips are firmly closed.
- Prep green asparagus: Simply snap off the woody end or trim off the last 2 to 3 cm. If you like, you can also peel the lower third.
- Peel white asparagus: Using a vegetable peeler or a special asparagus peeler, always peel from the top downwards. Don't peel the tip. Peel as evenly as possible, then trim about 1 to 2 cm off the end.
- Storing: Wrap unpeeled asparagus in a damp tea towel, leaving the tips exposed. Kept this way in the fridge, it stays fresh for 2 to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wash the asparagus, peel it and cut off the woody ends. Frozen, it keeps for 6 to 8 months. To cook, drop the frozen asparagus straight into boiling water.
Nutrition facts per serving (estimate)
| Calories | 20 kcal |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 2.5 g |
| Protein | 2.2 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Fibre | 1.5 g |
| of which sugar | 1.9 g |
Frequently asked questions
When is asparagus in season?
Asparagus season runs from April to June. Traditionally, the harvest ends on 24 June, known in Germany as St John's Day (Johannistag).
Does green asparagus need peeling?
No. With green asparagus, it's enough to snap off or trim the woody end. You can peel the lower third if you like, but it's optional.
How long does asparagus keep?
Fresh, unpeeled asparagus keeps in the fridge for 2 to 3 days when wrapped in a damp cloth. Frozen, it lasts for 6 to 8 months.
How many calories does asparagus have?
Asparagus has only around 20 kcal per 100 grams and is more than 90 percent water, which makes it very low in calories.
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