Canning asparagus is a wonderful way to preserve the crisp texture and vibrant green color of spring harvests for year-round enjoyment. This recipe provides safe, tested methods for packing asparagus either hot or raw into jars. Whether you prefer whole spears or cut pieces, this technique ensures your vegetables retain their nutritional value and fresh flavor. It is an essential skill for gardeners and farmers market shoppers looking to extend the season. Proper pressure processing is required for safety, making these jars perfect for soups, casseroles, or side dishes throughout the colder months.
Canning Asparagus (Spears Or Pieces
Description
Canning asparagus is a wonderful way to preserve the crisp texture and vibrant green color of spring harvests for year-round enjoyment. This recipe provides safe, tested methods for packing asparagus either hot or raw into jars. Whether you prefer whole spears or cut pieces, this technique ensures your vegetables retain their nutritional value and fresh flavor. It is an essential skill for gardeners and farmers market shoppers looking to extend the season. Proper pressure processing is required for safety, making these jars perfect for soups, casseroles, or side dishes throughout the colder months.Ingredients
Directions
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Select fresh, tender asparagus spears with tight tips, ideally 4 to 6 inches long if canning whole, or longer if cutting into pieces.
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Wash the asparagus thoroughly in cool water and trim off any tough, woody scales from the stems.
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Break off the tough bottom ends of the stems and wash the spears again to remove any grit.
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Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces if desired, or leave them whole for whole-spear packing.
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For the hot pack method, cover the asparagus with boiling water and let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes to blanch.
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Loosely fill hot, clean jars with the blanched asparagus, leaving exactly 1 inch of headspace at the top.
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For the raw pack method, fill clean jars tightly with raw asparagus pieces or spears, packing firmly but without crushing, leaving 1 inch headspace.
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Add 1 teaspoon of salt to each quart jar if desired for flavor enhancement.
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Pour boiling water over the packed asparagus, ensuring you maintain the 1-inch headspace.
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Wipe the jar rims clean, place lids on the jars, and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
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Process the jars in a pressure canner according to altitude guidelines: 11 psi for dial-gauge canners at 0-2,000 ft, or 10 psi for weighted-gauge canners at 0-1,000 ft.
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Process pints for 30 minutes and quarts for 40 minutes at the appropriate pressure for your altitude.
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Allow the pressure canner to come down to zero pressure naturally before opening and removing the jars.
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Let the jars cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours to ensure seals set properly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 123.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8.5g14%
- Saturated Fat 3.0g15%
- Cholesterol 21.0mg8%
- Sodium 341.5mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.8g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.1g
- Protein 7.2g15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.