Trim asparagus by snapping off the tough end of one stalk. Use this as a guide to cut the other stalks' ends. Give them a quick wash, cut, then cook.

Asparagus is a spring delicacy, but its tender stalks can spoil fast, making it one of the trickier vegetables to store.

Early in April, you may see bundles of skinny young stalks that give way to thick woody spears as the season rolls on. As you start shopping, you may be wondering, "Is fat or skinny asparagus better?" ...