Freezing fresh asparagus

[Rit]

I have a nice bunch of asparagus that I won't be able to use right away and I was thinking I would like to freeze it if possible instead of having to throw it away.
If anyone has ever frozen asparagus before I would like to know how and then what is the best way to cook it later. We like it tender crisp if possible.
I know sometimes frozen veggies can turn out mushy.
Any information is welcome.

[Zeldaz]

I don't know if tender crisp is possible, I've never had any frozen asparagus I really like. At any rate, you nee to blanch it first.

"Preparation – Select young tender spears. Wash thoroughly and sort into sizes. Trim stalks by removing scales with a sharp knife. Cut into even lengths to fit containers.

Water blanch small spears 2 minutes, medium spears 3 minutes and large spears 4 minutes.

Cool promptly, drain and package, leaving no headspace. Seal and freeze."

[Rit]

Thanks, then what is the best way to cook them from frozen state? Do you think steaming them would do ok?
I have never cooked frozen asparagus before. Maybe I am ahead just to throw them into a veggie soup of some sort or a casserole instead of serving them as just the side veggie.

[Zeldaz]

Steaming would be good, but you wouldn't need to do it very long. It's cooked when the stalk bends a little. Soup is a great idea, I think.

[Rit]

Thanks Zeldaz!

[SarasotaCook]

It can be very soggy and almost like canned if it is frozen. But if you do not mind that type of texture, it is fine.

What I like to do is blanch it, freeze; but, then I puree and make into a cream of asparagus soup. Delicious.

I also diced them in 1/2" pieces, maybe a bit smaller, blanched; cooled, then froze. These work really well in a quiche or in soup too.

[Rit]

The soggy, like canned texture is what I was hoping to avoid. Darn. Well at least I know. I was hoping that they would hold up to freezing better. What I think I will do is just give it a try and if they are too mushy either do as you suggested either the cream of asparagus soup or into a veggie soup.

At least with the info you and Zeldaz gave I won't have my hopes too high about them being tender crisp when I go to use them later.

[SarasotaCook]

Give them a try by all means, you can always make soup. I never would not use them, even if it ends up as soup.

This is also really good
http://www.food.com/recipe/libbies-creamed-asparagus-over-toast-124950
I have made this before ... but I usually add a little onions to the mix and serve it over a biscuit vs toast; but it is very good

I have also just made cream of asparagus. Heat up the asparagus with onion, garlic, and a small diced potato. Cook until tender and soft. Puree with an immersion blender, and add a little parm and cream until it is creamy. Pureed Asparagus ... it is actually delicious as a side dish.

[Rit]

That sounds like a good recipe.
I just don't have it in my heart to just throw the asparagus away. I will use it up somehow, even if it isn't ideal.