Learn how to can asparagus for long term storage, using a pressure canner. Once fresh asparagus is canned, it's shelf stable, & ready for your pantry!
Have pressure canner, canning jars, flat lids and screwbands prepped and ready, according to manufacturer instructions and USDA guidelines. If at higher altitudes (above 1,000 feet), or are using a dial gauge pressure canner, make sure to refer to instruction manual for your pressure canner for additional info.
Rinse asparagus well, and then drain. Snap off tough (woody) ends and discard. There are two methods to can asparagus. RAW PACK METHOD: You can either leave asparagus whole and tightly pack them, stem down into jar, or cut into 1" pieces and tightly pack jar. Leave 1" headspace. HOT PACK METHOD: This is the method I use. Cut each asparagus stalk into 1" long pieces. Place in large pot or skillet and add water, to fully cover asparagus. Turn heat to medium-high, and bring water to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes; asparagus should be tender-crisp. Drain asparagus, but save the cooking water for jars (if desired). Pack asparagus tightly into jars, leaving 1" of headspace.
If adding canning salt to the asparagus, add 1/2 teaspoon to each PINT jar, and 1 teaspoon to each QUART jar. Carefully ladle boiling water into each jar to cover asparagus (still leaving 1" headspace). Remove air bubbles from each jar. Adjust headspace, if necessary. Wipe rims of the jars clean, and place flat lids and screwband onto jars. Tighten bands to fingertip tightness.
Once jars are sealed, place them into prepared pressure canner. Adjust the water level if necessary, according to your canner's manufacturer instructions. Lock lid, and bring water to a boil, on medium-high heat. Vent the steam (vent open) for 10 minutes once boiling, and THEN close vent or add vent cover. Continue to heat until it reaches 10# (pounds) pressure. You need to maintain 10# pressure the entire processing time. Process PINTS for 30 minutes, and QUARTS for 40 minutes after pressure has been reached.
When processing is complete, turn off heat, and let the pressure in the canner drop NATURALLY until it reaches 0 (zero pressure). Open the vent (or remove vent cover), and let steam vent for 2 more minutes. Carefully unlock and open lid. Wait for 10 more minutes, and then remove hot jars with canning tongs. Set the hot jars onto a dish towel, to avoid jars cracking due to countertop temperature variances. Let jars cool completely (12 hours or overnight) without disturbing. Once cool, check to ensure the jars have sealed properly, wipe jars clean, and label them. Store in pantry.
NOTE: If using QUART sized jars, please know that EACH quart jar will require about 3 1/2 pounds of asparagus.
How To Can Asparagus https://www.thegratefulgirlcooks.com/how-to-can-asparagus/