When picking out fresh asparagus at the grocery store, you should look for several things. Stalks should stand upright without any wilting or squishy parts. The tips should be tightly closed, not spread out like a flower. Avoid any pieces whose tips are turning dark green or black. Definitely avoid anything that smells. The tip is the first part to go bad, so check there first. And don’t forget to inspect the pieces on the inside of the bunch.