Exact Answer: 3 – 5 Days
Asparagus is a green vegetable identified by its long and pointed structure which is grilled, steamed, or roasted. As it is a seasonal vegetable, this characteristic makes it more expensive than other vegetables. Whenever asparagus is incorporated into a recipe it brings the taste of green and freshness onto the dining table.
Asparagus is a herbaceous plant that is loaded with a multitude of essential vitamins, minerals, and rich antioxidants. It is also packed with goodness and health. It can be cooked and eaten in multiple ways. It is low in fat and calories and extremely rich in fiber. It is popular among health-conscious people and those who are trying to lose weight.
How Long Does Asparagus Last?
| Conditions | Duration |
| Asparagus kept in the fridge | 3 – 5 days |
| Asparagus with a wet paper towel | 5 – 7 days |
| Asparagus in a jar with water | 10 -14 days |
| Cooked asparagus | 2 – 3 days |
Every natural food item has a definite shelf life and so does asparagus. Shelf life can be defined as the time within which food items should be consumed or the duration for which the food remains fresh and edible.
Asparagus is said to have a shelf life of about 3 to 5 days. It can stay good for few more days too if stored properly under conducive conditions. In stores, asparagus shoots are stored as a bunch with their roots submerged in water which helps them stay fresh for a longer duration.
One must store asparagus carefully, in hygienic spaces if one wants to preserve it for a long time. Storing in dirty surroundings will make the vegetable rot very fast. However, if asparagus is bought for immediate consumption it can even be stored at room temperature or preferably in a fridge. Asparagus is an expensive veggie and thus, no one would ever like to see it getting spoilt. Thus, storing it properly will help in making the asparagus last longer.
Why Does Asparagus Last This Long?
Fresh raw asparagus, on its own, can last 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh for a longer time, one can try storing it by either wrapping a moist paper towel around it or by placing it upright in a jar with some water. The former method might help in keeping the asparagus good for about a week while the latter can make it last even up to 2 weeks.
When one chooses the best bunch of asparagus available in the market or grocery store, the chances of it lasting longer increases. One should always buy bunches of asparagus that have bright green spears that are hard and firm to touch. Avoid buying slimy, limp, or darkening asparagus as it might not last long.
When it comes to cooked asparagus, it lasts for a shorter time as compared to raw asparagus. When cooked, it can retain its quality for a maximum of 3 days. However, freezing can help in preserving asparagus for longer.
One must keep it in the fridge, in an unsealed plastic bag. If one wants to keep the stalks of asparagus fresher for a week or more, one can try placing the asparagus in an upright position, ensuring that its roots are in the water. When one has too much asparagus at home, freezing is the way to go. This can help in making the pricey vegetable last long.
When there is mold or black spots on the asparagus, then it has gone bad. In such cases, the asparagus becomes soft and mushy and does not remain firm. It might even smell different and start to lose its color. The discoloration is a sign that those asparagus won’t stay for much longer. It is best to consume them as soon as possible if they are not too damaged.
Conclusion
Asparagus is a common vegetable that is consumed when the shoots are young and its buds have just started opening. It is an extremely healthy vegetable filled with vitamins and minerals of various kinds. It is rich in amino acids that help in flushing out excess fluids and salts.
Discoloration of asparagus is a sign that it is not fit for human consumption. When the vegetable is firm, it is considered fresh but when soft and mushy, it is considered to have gone bad. Freezing is an excellent way of keeping it fresh. Raw asparagus can be easily stored for 3 – 5 days in the refrigerator.
References
- https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1238&context=extension_curall
- https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/325534
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