Freezing wild asparagus raw or cooked.
It is possible to store wild asparagus raw or cooked in the freezer so you can keep them longer and have them available all year round.
Why freeze wild asparagus?
There is nothing better than a bunch of freshly picked wild asparagus.
But if you are lucky enough to harvest them in abundance, it is possible to preserve them by freezing.
Wild asparagus
Wild asparagus are spring vegetables generally available from March to June.
They are rich in fiber.
Wild asparagus, or field asparagus, unlike cultivated asparagus, grow wild, are thinner and have a more intense aroma and flavor.
You may be interested in:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 bunch wild asparagus
Suggested tools
- Knife
- Cutting board
Preparation
Can wild asparagus be frozen raw?
Yes, wild asparagus can be frozen both raw and cooked.
Frozen raw they retain their texture better.
Frozen cooked they are convenient to use directly in recipes.
Let’s see how to freeze wild asparagus raw or cooked step by step.
You can freeze wild asparagus whole or cut into pieces.
Freezing whole wild asparagus raw:
How to clean wild asparagus
– wash the asparagus under running water and let them drain in a colander;
if the stem is very tough you can snap it with your hands: it will naturally break at the tenderest point;
– discard the hard or damaged end of the stem.Freezing wild asparagus raw in pieces:
How to clean wild asparagus
– wash the asparagus under running water and let them drain in a colander;
– separate the tips up to the tender part of the stem and cut them into pieces;
if the stem is very tough you can snap it with your hands: it will naturally break at the tenderest point;
– remove any side shoots from the stalk, eliminating any thorns;
– discard the hard or damaged end of the stem.Asparagus must be very dry before being frozen to avoid ice formation.
After cleaning, dry them well by patting with kitchen paper towels.
Then store them in the freezer divided into small, convenient portions inside suitable freezer bags or wrapped in plastic wrap.Wild asparagus frozen raw, whether whole or in pieces, separate easily, allowing you to take only the amount you need.
How to cook wild asparagus
You can prepare them simply in a skillet or boil them in boiling water.
For the detailed step-by-step procedure you can read the tutorial by clicking the following link: how to cook wild asparagus in a skillet or boiled | basic recipe and side dish.
Whether pan-fried or blanched, once cooled store them in the freezer divided into small, convenient portions inside suitable freezer bags or wrapped in plastic wrap.
Browse the collection of light and tasty asparagus recipes.
Storage, tips and variations
Storage
Wild asparagus, raw or cooked, can be stored in the freezer for 6-8 months and up to a maximum of 12 months.
Tips and variations
Arrange the asparagus inside the suitable bags or wrapped in plastic in a thin layer so they freeze separately and not in a block.
Seal the bags or the wrap well, removing as much air as possible.
Label the portions with the freezing date.
Frozen wild asparagus are perfect for preparing appetizers, first courses, main courses and side dishes.
It is not necessary to thaw them: frozen asparagus can be used directly in cooking.
FAQ – Questions and Answers
What is the difference between wild asparagus and cultivated asparagus?
Wild asparagus, or field asparagus, unlike cultivated asparagus are thinner and have a more intense aroma and flavor.
When can wild asparagus be harvested?
Wild asparagus are generally available from March to June.
In the south they can sometimes be found already from December-January.
Early in the season they are more tender.In which areas are wild asparagus found?
They are mainly found in central and southern regions and on the islands.
They grow wild in uncultivated areas and at the sides of roads.How to reuse the stems
The end part of the stems can be used to:
– flavor the cooking water for pasta, for example for a pasta with wild asparagus;
– prepare a risotto with wild asparagus;
– prepare a vegetable broth;
– prepare a detox herbal tea.
