Hold them under cold running water and rinse well to remove any dirt or grit.
Dry them gently.
Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat them dry.
Trim the tough ends.
The base of the stalk is usually fibrous and tough.
Option 1: Snap each spear by hand—it will naturally break where the tender part begins.
Option 2: Use a knife to trim about 1–1.5 inches (2–3 cm) from the lighter-colored base.
Notes
If you're not cooking them right away, store the asparagus in the refrigerator:Method 1: Stand them upright in a glass with a little water, like a bouquet.Method 2: Wrap the tips in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.