Firm compact clusters of small flower buds with none open enough to see the yellow flower.  Bud clusters should be dark green or sage green or even green with a purplish cast.  Stems should not be too thick.

Signs of decay - soft, slippery, water soaked spots on bud clusters.

U.S. No.1 shall consist of bunched stalks of Italian sprouting broccoli.  Each bunch shall be free from decay or damage from over maturity, discoloration of buds or leaves, dirt or foreign material disease insects of mechanical damage.  Bud clusters shall be compact and each bunch shall be neatly trimmed and evenly cut.  Unless otherwise specified, the length of each stalk shall be not less than 5 inches or more than 9 inches.