The Indiana asparagus season is winding down, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the fresh, vibrant taste of locally grown spears. At Tyner Pond Farm, we believe in responsible enjoyment of seasonal produce. That’s why we encourage our customers to preserve the abundance of spring for the months ahead.

While grocery stores offer “fresh” asparagus year-round, it’s often shipped from faraway places like Mexico, racking up food miles and losing flavor and nutrients along the way. By freezing your own, you’re not only preserving peak-season quality, but also avoiding unnecessary transportation and reducing waste.

Our simple guide will teach you how to freeze asparagus to lock in those nutrients and that unbeatable taste, ensuring you can enjoy local asparagus long after the season has passed.

Why Freeze Asparagus?

Freezing is a fantastic way to lock in the nutritional value and bright flavor of asparagus. It’s also an excellent way to reduce food waste, ensuring you can savor this seasonal treat throughout the year.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Large pot for blanching
• Colander
• Large bowl filled with ice water
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Ziploc freezer bags OR vacuum sealer and bags (our preferred method for ultimate freshness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Asparagus:

Wash the asparagus thoroughly.
Trim off any woody ends.
You can choose to freeze whole spears or cut them into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

Blanch the Asparagus:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.Submerge the asparagus for 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the stalks.
Immediately remove the asparagus with tongs or a slotted spoon and plunge them into the ice water bath. This stops the cooking process and helps preserve the bright green color.

Flash Freeze:

Drain the asparagus and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Arrange the spears (or pieces) in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the asparagus is completely frozen solid.

Package for Long-Term Storage:

Once frozen, transfer the asparagus to Ziploc freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
For the best results, consider using a vacuum sealer to remove all air and create a tight seal. This will prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal quality.

Label and Freeze:

Label the bags with the date and contents.
Store the asparagus in the freezer for up to 8-12 months.

Tips:

Don’t overcook the asparagus during blanching, as this can make them mushy when thawed.
Leave some space in the freezer bags to allow for expansion during freezing.
Frozen asparagus is perfect for adding to stir-fries, soups, omelets, or roasting.
Enjoy the Flavor of Spring All Year Round!

Freezing asparagus allows you to enjoy its fresh, vibrant flavor long after the season ends. Whether you choose to freeze them whole or in bite-sized pieces, you’ll have a convenient and delicious ingredient ready to enhance your meals throughout the year. Order Your Tyner Pond Farm Asparagus while it’s still in Season!