How do you blanch asparagus to freeze in the microwave?
It was first washed and the ends trimmed off then layed on a clean dishcloth to dry. Then put in a 13 X 9 microwave safe Pyrex dish and clear cellophane wrap put over it. Then I microwaved it on high for 3 minutes and 30 seconds. I do this in place of blanching.
Why you should not blanch asparagus?
Blanching seasons the spears and also gives them a kick-start in the cooking process. “Whenever you grill, sear, or roast, you’re using a really high temperature. Without blanching, you’d char the outside but the inside would still be raw.” To blanch, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and salt the hell out of it.
How do you blanch raw asparagus?
To blanch the asparagus: Fill a large bowl with water and ice. In a large saucepan or stockpot, bring 1 inch water and 1 teaspoon salt to boil. Add asparagus, cover, and boil until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Immediately remove from boiling water and plunge into ice bath to stop the cooking.
How long does asparagus need to be blanched?
About 3 minutes
How long to blanch asparagus? About 3 minutes, depending on thickness, until just crisp tender. Blanch thin spears for up to 2 ½ minutes and thick spears for around to 4 minutes. Plunge into an ice bath.
Can you freeze fresh asparagus without blanching it?
You can freeze asparagus, and it is the best way to keep it fresh, green, and crispy for up to one year. Asparagus needs to be blanched before freezing, to preserve the color and texture. Without blanching, frozen asparagus will be duller in color and flavor, and won’t have a crisp texture.
Can you freeze asparagus whole?
Yes, you can. Consider preserving this nutrient-dense vegetable. It’s not difficult, and freezing asparagus keeps that one-of-a-kind flavor in season and on your table no matter the market price. On the flip side, frozen spears pack all the flavor you know and love.
How long will fresh asparagus last in the refrigerator?
three to five days
Fresh asparagus usually has a shelf life of three to five days in the refrigerator. However, if you refrigerate asparagus in a glass jar with a little bit of water, it can stay fresh for up to ten days. When the ends of your asparagus spears become dark green and mushy, it’s time to throw them away.
Why do you plunge asparagus in ice water?
The ice bath is stopping the cooking process and preventing the stalks from cooking any further. Additionally, the asparagus will be perfectly tender (and not mushy!) for eating. Allow the asparagus spears to cool for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain well.
Can you freeze uncooked asparagus spears?
Freezing asparagus is such a great way to elongate the short season, and avoid any waste. Cooking it from frozen also shortens the cooking time a little. Like most vegetables, if frozen raw, the texture, taste, colour and nutritional value of asparagus deteriorates.
Can you freeze uncooked asparagus?
How long do you microwave asparagus?
If you are microwaving cuts and tips instead of whole spears, only cook the asparagus for 3 to 5 minutes at full power. Stir the asparagus halfway through to promote even cooking.
How to Blanch vegetables in microwave?
Microwave – Blanching Vegetables. Blanching is a procedure used to prepare vegetables for freezing. General directions for all vegetables are: Wash, peel, slice or dice vegetables. Measure 1 quart or 1 pound of vegetables into recommended size casserole dish (see chart on next page for sizes). Add water (see chart on next page). Do not add salt.
How do I Cook asparagus?
Learn how to cut asparagus here .) Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place a large bowl of ice water next to the stove. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the asparagus to the ice water (this stops the asparagus from cooking further).
How long do you cook a spear in the microwave?
A quick step, five minutes and the microwave are all you need to get a side on the table in a snap. Cut or snap woody ends from spears. Wash spears with cool water. Do not dry. Place spears in a single layer in a glass microwave-safe baking dish, allowing room between spears.