You don’t need to look at the calendar to know it’s spring. Just check out your grocery store’s produce aisle and you’ll find that, like the robins, California asparagus has returned. The California Asparagus Board offers these tips on selecting and storing the vegetable:

• Different sizes lend themselves to different preparations. Jumbo asparagus is best for grilling.
• Select bright green asparagus with closed, compact tips and smooth tender skin.
• Wrap the cut ends of a stack in a moist paper towel and then store upright in a sealed plastic bag.
• Use asparagus in about two days. Cooked asparagus will keep in the refrigerator for about two days.