- 2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 3/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the asparagus, and cook uncovered until slightly tender, about 1 minute. Drain in a colander, then immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes until cold to stop the cooking process. Once the asparagus spears are cold, place them on paper towels to dry.
- Bring vinegar, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, celery seed, and salt to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Boil for 5 minutes.
- Spread the asparagus spears in a large dish or baking pan. Pour the vinegar mixture over the asparagus. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and serve cold or at room temperature.