Asparagus can be a tricky vegetable to make last, with fresh asparagus generally lasting for between three to five days in the fridge. To extend its shelf life even more, the experts at Delish shared a simple way to keep your asparagus from being “sad”.
The experts urged people to use the vegetable when it’s relatively fresh, but if you find yourself not using them straight away, there is a way you can enhance its freshness for a little while longer. Asparagus can go off and spoil due to a variety of factors, but the most common reason is due to dehydration. The vegetable relies on moisture to maintain its freshness, and when it loses moisture, the stalks can become limp.
To know if your asparagus is spoiling, there are a few signs to look out for. According to Taste of Home, you should pay close attention to the veg’s texture, colour and smell.
Firstly, you’ll notice that the asparagus’ tips will go soft first, before the stems begin to shrivel.
Taste of Home explained: “The stalks will go from bright green and firm to dull-coloured 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 mould, it’s time to toss it.”
How to store asparagus correctly
To make sure your asparagus is alive and fresh, you should check that it’s snappy and “not bendable”.
The experts explained: “It should have a tall, pronounced, tight crown, and it should not be slimy.”
To prevent asparagus from going off quickly, consider storing it wrapped in a wet paper towel, or in a large jar or food container.
Fill the container with a little bit of water at the bottom.
This will help the vegetable retain moisture if not using straight away.