Staffordshire farming, packing and produce marketing company R&RW Bartlett appeared on the Christmas special of the BBC’s Gardeners World programme, to promote the favourite seasonal vegetable, the parsnip.
Presenter Monty Don introduced the segment with partners Roy and Rod Bartlett (pictured, left to right) by discussing different varieties of root crops, reminding viewers to buy locally where possible, to avoid eating produce that has travelled unnecessary food miles.
Filming took place at the 600-acre farm in Shenstone, near Lichfield, and included shots of harvesting, as well as the state-of-the-art packhouse in full flow.
Rod explained how the business’s output triples during the Christmas period, from 25 tonnes to 75t of parsnips.
The segment continued with some tips from Roy, who said that light, sandy soil, such as the kind on the R&RW Bartlett farms in Staffordshire, is the best growing condition for parsnips.
Commenting on the experience, Rod said: “We enjoyed showing viewers how our produce makes its journey from the ground to the dining table and whether you like to roast them or mash them, you can’t beat the sweet taste of freshly harvested parsnips - Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without them.”
