How Long Does Asparagus Last?

How long does asparagus last? The shelf life of asparagus, like most other fresh vegetables may not have a sell by date, use by date, or best before date so you have to go with purchase date in most cases. Besides being full of fiber and many nutrients, asparagus contains glutathione known to fight cancer cells and anti-oxidents shown to slow the aging process [1].

Because of their intense flavor, color, appearance and vitamin content asparagus is often the vegetable of choice to accompany more elegant main dish presentations. Be sure to check read our storage section to make sure your purchased asparagus is still fresh when you are ready to cook.

So, how long does asparagus last? When properly stored, the shelf life is approximately...

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Asparagus Expiration Date

Fridge
Fresh Asparagus lasts for 5-7 Days
Cooked Asparagus lasts for 5-7 Days

Of course, asparagus lasts for a shorter period of time if it is not stored properly.

How to tell if Asparagus is bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

It is the tips of asparagus they will begin to go bad first, which is also the most desirable part of the asparagus. The best way to tell if your asparagus is going bad is to look at the tips, they will begin to turn a very dark green (almost black) and when you touch them they will just mush between your fingers. You can cut off the tips right now and cook your asparagus, otherwise the stems too will soon be slimy and mushy and unusable as your asparagus has gone bad and may begin the formation of mold.

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Asparagus to extend its shelf life?

It is best to store the stalks whole and unwashed into a standing glass of water and then place the glass upright on a refrigerator shelf with the tips sticking out. You can also place a loose plastic wrap or baggie on the exposed stalks for added protection. You can place the vegetable in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge vegetable drawer if you will be using them quickly, but they will keep much longer and fresher if placed in water.

For an even longer term option, asparagus may be frozen for 6-8 months, but they should be cooked or blanched first and placed in freezer safe containers.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

How to use extra before your Asparagus goes bad?

  • Quickly cook or blanch the stalks and either refrigerate or freeze them in freezer safe containers.
  • To find out how to steam asparagus, check our post on how to steam vegetables.
  • If it's your first time with this vegetable, don't be alarmed when your pee has a unique distinct odor after consuming. It will disappear by the next day.
  • How long is Asparagus good for when prepared in a dish?

    How long does asparagus last? That depends. How long does pizza last? In general, it lasts only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the recipe.

    What are our shelf life resources?

    In determining how long Asparagus lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Asparagus.

    *An important note about expiration dates...

    Although the Asparagus shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!

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    With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a 30-day free trial today!

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