Choosing the right stalks can make a difference. Here’s what to look for to make sure you pick the freshest, tastiest ones.

Stay in Season

Asparagus comes in season in spring, so that’s generally the best time to buy, as that’s when it’s most flavorful (and nutrient-filled).

Color Code

White asparagus is a French import that’s purposely deprived of light during the growing process (hence, its pale color) and tends to be sweeter than the green kind.

Size It Up

Asparagus also comes in different size stalks -- from thick to pencil thin. Thicker stalks sometimes have more of a stringy texture than thinner stalks.

Inspect the Bottoms

Check the bottom of the stalks: If the cut part of the stalk looks dry, pass, as that means that the asparagus is likely dry, old and will have more of a stringy, woody texture than most people like. Likewise, wrinkly stalks are probably way past their prime.

Check the Tips

If pieces of the tip start to fall off, you’ll want to find a fresher bunch. Look for firm, tight tips.

Nestpert: Johanna Kolodny is the forager for PRINT. -- a seasonally sourced restaurant situated in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen.

-- Kristin Koch

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