Research by the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber (RFG) reveals that asparagus grown in Yorkshire has revealed that the English season is being steadily extended and that the product tastes better and has more antioxidants when compared to imported varieties.
In recent years, asparagus has become an increasingly popular vegetable especially as it is a rich source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as folic acid, iron and other natural antioxidants. Research found that Yorkshire-grown asparagus has especially higher levels of chlorophyll and anthocyanin, providing a greater amount of antioxidants and higher sugar levels, giving a sweeter, preferred flavour.
And, in its Asparagus Report 2010, the RFG also revealed that the price of asparagus and length of the season have both grown in recent years while the total wholesale value of the UK asparagus crop in 2009 was found to be £36 million.
One of the key factors for this may be the rise in significance of regional foods, especially fruit and vegetables. By 2013, sales of locally sourced foods are estimated to grow to £6.5 billion.
RFG research and development director Sarah Knapper, who conducted the research in partnership with the Stockbridge Technology Centre, told freshinfo: “It is clear that the myth that local food tastes better can be confirmed by this report, it demonstrates that sugar retention in fresh food is higher and therefore is more attractive.
“Asparagus is an important horticultural crop for many local growers and receives a huge amount of interest from restaurants and celebrity chefs. We hope our findings encourage people to buy British and regional produce, not only to boost the country’s economy, but because the taste isn’t compromised.
Robert Sturrock, farm manager at The Balloon Tree, told freshinfo: “The demand for asparagus has definitely grown in recent years and it's true that imports can possible devalue the special quality of the English season. The celebrity chefs have done a great job of advertising the British season and encouraging people and hopefully this year can be one to remember.”
The RFG research also reveals that wherever asparagus is grown, its physical quality and nutritional content is maintained throughout the distribution chain.
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