Maturity Indices Asparagus spears are harvested as they emerge through the soil from the underground crowns. Quality Indices 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. Drying of the butt-end of spears is a negative quality factor. Commonly asparagus is packed and shipped in cartons with a water-saturated pad to maintain high humidity. Rates of Respiration Temp. The concentration and duration of exposure to exogenous ethylene, to cause this effect, at commonly encountered levels during storage and distribution are not available.