HOME GROWN APHRODISIAC ON TRACK TO MAKE VALENTINE’S DAY APPEARANCE IN SAINSBURY’S STORES BY 2009
- New growing techniques deliver British asparagus crop two weeks early this year, setting another growing record
Britain’s earliest ever asparagus crop is being hand delivered to Sainsbury’s on March 14.
New growing techniques and improved varieties have brought forward the traditional eight-week season by a staggering six weeks versus 2006 – guaranteeing a huge boost for the entire British asparagus industry. This is the second year in a row that the British asparagus crop has arrived at record time at Sainsbury’s stores. Last year, the crop was one month earlier than the previous record.
Sainsbury’s sells more asparagus than any other supermarket, with 29.2 per cent of the total market, according to the latest industry figures.
Sainsbury’s nutritionist Charlie Parker said: “There’s something very Spring-like in every sense about asparagus, so after the long, wet January that we’ve all endured, it’s a welcome treat to have a fresh British crop arriving so early this year. Asparagus is very rich in nutrients and perfect for a boost during the season of love. Next year, we’re hopeful that it will be nestled amidst the flowers and chocolates as a Valentine’s Day treat!”
Asparagus was first claimed to “stir up lust in man and woman” by herbalist, Nicholas Culpepper, in the 1600s. It is also one of the leading sources of vegetables of folic acid, widely understood to offer benefits for expectant mothers!
English asparagus is always one of the most eagerly awaited events in the entire British fresh produce calendar due to its outstanding eating quality.
Only the young shoots of asparagus are eaten. Asparagus is low in calories, contains no fat or cholesterol, and is very low in sodium. It is a good source of folic acid, potassium, rutin and dietary fibre. Asparagine, the amino acid, gets its name from asparagus, which is rich in this compound.
The home-grown delicacy, with its straight spears and compact tip, asparagus is an attractive, elegant-looking vegetable with a wonderfully subtle flavour.
Sainsbury’s British asparagus is grown at New Farm Produce by the McGuffie brothers, who have been supplying Sainsbury’s for over 20 years. As third generation growers, the McGuffies are expert at extending the season for as long as possible, bringing the first precious shoots to maturity as soon as possible.
The McGuffie brothers grow their asparagus in a heated environment using methods which are environmentally sustainable. They are also in the running for the most innovative grower of the year award at the Grower of the Year Awards on Thursday 28th February.
Packaging changes this year will also enable Sainsbury’s to reduce the amount of packaging by over 35,000 kg this UK Season.
The new crop is part of Sainsbury’s drive to increase the amount of British produce sold through its stores.
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