One of the best times to be a forager is in the spring. Everything in nature comes alive. All types of plants are popping up, and one of my favorites is wild asparagus. In a previous post, I showed you how to identify wild asparagus in the fall. Now it is time to go back to your spots and start picking. It has been a warm spring here in the northeast, and the wild asparagus decided to show up early this year. I have been out to my patches several times, and the yield has been quite good. This season is still not over, and I will be back for some more. Here is what I have found.
How to Forage for Wild Asparagus
Wild asparagus likes to grow mostly in fields and by fences. I have also seen them growing in some odd locations. Once you know how to spot them, your eyes get trained. I had had several occasions when I was driving somewhere and see them when I least expected to. The best way to find them in the spring is to look for the old straw-like remains from last year’s plants. You will most likely find new shoots sprouting up underneath or next to the old remains. Be careful to avoid trampling on the fresh sprouts.
Here is what you should see from last years remains:
Picking Wild Asparagus
I have found the best way to pick wild asparagus is with a good knife. Make sure to cut the asparagus off below the ground. Slide your knife all the way down where the stem meets the ground and slice it off. You want to pick the asparagus that is newly sprouting. Wild asparagus grows very quickly. Once the plant starts to bush out, it’s too late to pick that one. I usually go back to my spots every few days until the season is over. Please don’t over-pick. It is a good habit to allow several of the plants to bush out or go to seed. It will make for a recurring crop year after year. I have heard stories of some asparagus spots yielding for about 100 years.
As you can see, wild asparagus blends right into the landscape. They look like blades of grass.
Wild Asparagus can easily be missed.
Preserving Your Wild Asparagus
Once you have all these asparagus, how do you preserve it? I like to freeze it using my FoodSaver V2244 Vacuum Sealing System. The FoodSaver is a great device that allows you to place food in a bag, and it then takes all of the air out of it. This allows you to freeze the food much longer due to less freezer burn. It is a great way to save money and preserve your harvest or foraged goods.
The FoodSaver V2244 is a useful tool for keeping different types of food fresh for longer. It’s perfect for everything from freezing meats and fish for extended storage to keeping deli meats and cheese fresh in the fridge, or even storing cookies crackers, and other snacks in the pantry. Keep a busy kitchen running smoothly. For dependable food preservation, the FoodSaver V2244 vacuum sealing system is an excellent choice.
Here is the book I use to identify wild asparagus: Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide
This Edible Wild Plants Field Guide has nearly 400 color photos and detailed information on more than 200 species of edible plants all across North America. The guide is thoughtfully arranged by season, making it effortless for enthusiasts to discover and identify their preferred plants. Each listing features photographs alongside details about the plant’s natural environment, characteristics, harvesting methods, preparation tips, and potential toxic doppelgängers. The opening section features delicious recipes and a convenient seasonal chart for easy plant identification.
Conclusion
I start by blanching the asparagus for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the size. Afterward, transfer them to an ice bath to quickly halt the cooking process. Be sure to freeze the asparagus beforehand before placing them in the bag for sealing. I find that they seal much better. Just place them on a tray and put them in the freezer for 30 minutes before sealing.
