Here's how to do it step by step

When is it time for the freezer?

The annual asparagus season only lasts a few weeks, at least when it comes to domestic asparagus spears. Imported goods can now almost always be found in supermarkets, but the long-traveled sticks do not quite come close to the quality of freshly cut sticks.

The real" Asparagus season May and June are therefore the only real time for connoisseurs to enjoy it fresh. But it is also the best time to stock up on the freezer. Almost a year will pass before the next harvest, and so the asparagus appetite can be wonderfully satisfied from the freezer.

Is it difficult to peel or freeze with the skin on?

Peeling thin rod by rod takes a long time. However, this step is essential before consumption. However, whether it is done before or after freezing is another question. The following arguments in favor of investing this time before freezing:

• the frozen asparagus can be used immediately
• Thawed asparagus is more difficult to peel
• saves time for later cooking activities

If time is of the essence, it is better to freeze the sticks unpeeled. Storing them until there is free time for preparation robs them of a large part of their freshness and quality.

Freeze the asparagus

The asparagus spears are freed from coarse dirt under water and then peeled if possible. After the sticks have dried, they can be placed in suitable freezer containers in portions.

The contents and the date should be marked on the containers before a place in the freezer is found for them.

Peel the frozen asparagus

If the frozen asparagus spears are still wrapped in their shells, they must be freed from them before further preparation. Since thawed sticks lose their firmness and are consequently soft in the hand, peeling is a challenge, which is solved as follows:

1. Dip a frozen asparagus stick in hot water for about three minutes. The thin shell thaws in this short time, while the inside remains frozen and thus remains hard.
2. Peel off the peel with a potato peeler.
3. Continue doing rod by rod until you have finished peeling the entire amount.

Shelf life and use

Asparagus is stored in the freezer at minus 18 degrees Celsius, where it lasts for 6 to 8 months. If it has already been peeled, it will be processed further without defrosting. Otherwise a short thawing as described above is sufficient.

Conclusion for quick readers:

• Best time: The high season in May and June is the best time to fill the freezer
• Peel: Asparagus spears can be frozen with their peel, but it is better to peel them beforehand
• Advantage: Fresh asparagus is easier to peel than frozen and can be processed immediately later
• Preparation: Clean the asparagus spears under running water and then peel them with a peeler
• Packing: Put dried asparagus stalks in portions into suitable containers
• Labeling: For a better overview in the chest, the containers are labeled with content and date
• Subsequent peeling: If the asparagus is still unpeeled, it must be peeled before further processing
• Challenge: Thawed asparagus lies soft in the hand, which makes peeling almost impossible
• Solution: Only thaw the shell while the inside of the stick remains frozen and therefore solid
• Step 1: Dip a frozen asparagus stick in hot water for three seconds
• Step 2: Remove the defrosted peel with a peeler
• Step 3: Do the same with other sticks until they are all peeled
• Tip: Peel the asparagus carefully, as frozen sticks break easily
• Shelf life: 6 to 8 months at minus 18 degrees Celsius
• Thawing: Peeled asparagus spears are processed further in the frozen state
• Exception: Thaw briefly, if peeling is necessary, then process while still almost frozen