Quality, fresh asparagus will be dark green and firm with tightly closed, compact tips. Stalks are straight, tender and glossy in appearance.

U.S. grades are No. 1 and No. 2. California grades range from small ( 0.47cm / 3/16 in. ) to Jumbo (2.1cm / 13/16 ) but diameter is not a good indicator of tenderness quality. Washington state standards, XF (Extra Fancy), are being adopted that specify tolerances which are somewhat more stringent than U.S. No. 1.