The shoot in this illustration has been cut in half to show its inner pith. As sold in the market, whole shoots are 10-15 inches long and taper from about 1 inch in diameter at the base to a point at the leafy tip.

Select firm, fresh shoots with broad, white bases. Since only the solid pith of the stem is eaten, the greater its diameter the greater the proportion of food per stalk. Young shoots will be lily-white in cross section; older shoots develop black pin dots which indicate that both flavor and texture have begun to decline.