A daring campaign has been launched by retailer Asda to grow all of the ingredients needed for a curry - right here in the UK.

The multiple is testing new growing techniques and setting aside land in the hope of producing the UK’s first commercial crops of plants and spices normally only found in much hotter climes, in a bid to reduce reliance on imports and thus reduce air miles and transport costs. The move could also provide British growers with a huge new market.

“We are on the verge of producing the ultimate home-grown curry,” said Asda fresh produce technologist Chris Wibberley. “Instead of going for an Indian, people will genuinely be able to say that they’re going for a British.”

Initial growing trials will concentrate on doodhi, mooli, baby aubergines and karela, in temperature-controlled glasshouses in Lancashire and Lincolnshire. Plans are also underway to grow okra and mustard leaf.

“Hundreds of thousands of curries are eaten across the country every week - it’s the official British dish,” said Wibberley. “Growing the ingredients will finally give us true ownership of our favourite food.”

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