Freezing Asparagus

I got a phone call from my mother-in-law's best friend the other day.  We had just recently had a conversation about asparagus, and the added health benefits that asparagus has.  Well, low and behold, she ended up finding a great deal on some.   I believe it was around $1.58 per lb.  That might still sound high, however, the average price for us is $3.99 per pound. 

I stopped by the store on my way home from work and grabbed a few bundles.  These were fresh and looked really, really good.   I knew that there was no way we were going to be eating these before they went bad and I really had intended on freezing most of them anyway.  *Totally kicking myself for not getting more and freezing more.

Step 1:   Separate the size of the asparagus by small, medium, and large stem bases.

Step 2:  Break off any of the woody parts of the stems

Step 3:  Blanche the asparagus.

Small:  2 mins.

Medium:  3 mins.

Large:  4 mins.

Step 4:  Then add to an ice water, cold water bath.  The stops the asparagus from continuing to cook.

Step 5:  Drain in a colander and then just lightly dab dry

Step 6:  Seal and Freeze  (I used our Food Saver, however, Ziploc freezer bags work great too)

There you have it!   Frozen FRESH asparagus, ready for a meal.


What is your favorite way to cook asparagus?  Do you steam?  Do you roast?  Grill?  Have you ever frozen any before?  Please share.