{"id":2049,"date":"2023-01-17T17:03:04","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T17:03:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/?p=2049"},"modified":"2023-02-03T19:45:30","modified_gmt":"2023-02-03T19:45:30","slug":"how-to-tell-if-asparagus-is-bad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/how-to-tell-if-asparagus-is-bad\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tell if Asparagus is Bad"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Whether you\u2019re cooking up steak and mashed potatoes or scrambling eggs, asparagus is a delicious addition. Plus, it\u2019s a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable. Half a cup of cooked asparagus has 20 calories and 2 grams of fiber, which is 7% of your recommended daily amount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what\u2019s the shelf life of asparagus and how can you tell when asparagus is bad? These are some of the telltale signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs Asparagus is Bad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fresh asparagus is bright green with firm stalks. However, when it starts to pass its prime you\u2019ll notice dull or dark coloration, mushy texture, and a rancid smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The tips are disintegrating <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"mushy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The tip of the asparagus is one of the first indicators that it\u2019s starting to go bad. A fresh piece of asparagus has compact leaves and is a vibrant color. When it begins to go bad, the crown may turn dark and the leaves will also disintegrate. You can run your fingers over the crown and if it falls apart, the asparagus is likely bad or about to go bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that if the crown is bad, but the rest of the asparagus is firm, you can simply cut off the crown and cook the rest. I love to air fry<\/a> or saut\u00e9<\/a> my asparagus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The stalks are mushy or limp<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"limp<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Asparagus stalks should be firm to the touch. If you squeeze them and the stalks are squishy (similar to a bad spot on a zucchini or cucumber), they\u2019re probably bad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another sign asparagus is bad is if the stalks are wilted or limp. When you hold a piece of asparagus sideways it should be relatively straight. If it curves like a rainbow or otherwise seems wilted, think twice about eating it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The asparagus is slimy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"slimy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Like mushrooms<\/a>, salmon<\/a>, or really most foods, if the asparagus has a slimy outer layer, it\u2019s no longer fit to eat. Why does food get slimy? Well, the moisture (both in the food and from condensation) and the nutrients (from the food) are a breeding ground for bacteria<\/a> over time. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to store your food properly and understand its shelf life. More on this below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. The asparagus has mold spots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"mold<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An obvious sign of food spoilage is mold. Look for white or green fuzzy spots on your asparagus. If you find them, but most of your asparagus doesn\u2019t show signs of spoilage, some of the stalks may be salvageable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the USDA<\/a>, you can still use firm fruits and vegetables as long as you cut one inch above and below the mold spot. Why? Because it\u2019s difficult for mold to penetrate dense foods. Soft foods, on the other hand, should be discarded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. The asparagus smells sour or rancid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fresh asparagus shouldn\u2019t have much of a smell. If it\u2019s bad, it\u2019ll smell sour or rancid. If you sniff your asparagus and your reaction is, \u201cI\u2019m not sure if this is good.\u201d It\u2019s probably not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Pick Fresh Asparagus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"asparagus<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Spring is the best season for asparagus, though in many grocery stores it can be found year-round. When you pick it, look for the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n