Choose stalks that are straight with closed, compact tips and a bright green color. Look for asparagus with thicker spears because they will be more tender than the thinner ones.

Store asparagus in the refrigerator in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Asparagus will quickly lose its tenderness and sweet flavor if left in the warm for too long. Asparagus stays the freshest by either wrapping the stem ends in a wet paper towel and put the asparagus in a plastic bag, or by standing the stalks upright with the cut stem ends in a plastic bag with a little water placed at the bottom. Do not seal the plastic bags, as the asparagus needs to breathe, which prevents condensation from forming on the tips.

Asparagus may be kept in the refrigerator like this for 4 or 5 days.