Store Asparagus Upright in a Glass of Water in the Fridge

Asparagus is essentially a cut flower — it was a living stem moments before harvest, and it continues to lose moisture rapidly. Lying in a crisper drawer, it goes limp and rubbery in a day or two. Treat it like you would a bouquet: trim half an inch off the bottom and stand the spears upright in a glass or jar with about an inch of water.

Cover the tips loosely with a plastic bag to reduce moisture loss from the tops. Stored this way in the fridge, asparagus stays crisp and snappy for up to a week. Change the water if it gets cloudy. This same technique works beautifully for fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro.