I sometimes wonder what the views of a lexicographer might be when confronted with some of the descriptions that are used to create that extra level of interest on the retail shelf. For example, in Sainsbury’s I came across the term “Heritage” to add weight to the presentation of a 230g pack of special Nottinghamshire-grown mini parsnips.

I have never thought of the humble root in these terms, although I once heard French chefs at a food show use every praiseworthy word in the dictionary to describe them. Up until then, across the Channel parsnips were only regarded as cattle feed.

Meanwhile, full marks to Sainsbury’s for being ahead of the retail herd as, I think, the first to congratulate Bramley on celebrating its 200th birthday. A four-pack of the fruit bearing a yellow sign recording the event is grown by Paul Mansfield and sold at 99p.

Dessert apples are also still capable of causing a stir. On the speciality front, Waitrose is offering a Suffolk-grown Winter Wonder four-pack for £1.99.

For something completely different, Asda has come up with Dutch Junami apples at two for £2. There is no mistaking the unusually named variety, which will be new to most of the public, as each fruit carries a vibrant yellow and red sticker, as well as appearing as a brand on the tray.

At a time when everyone is price-conscious to the point of phobia, Asda has also had a bright idea when it comes to cherries - usually considered a luxury line. This is the first time I have discovered a snack pack, at 125g for £1. For the record, the source and variety were Chile and Kordia.

Up until now, the famous Jaffa Shamouti orange has always been considered the leader in the field as a dessert orange - after all, it came to fame because of its slogan about peel-ability. However, Tesco now considers that it has a dual function, as it is also being promoted as a juicing orange. And an extra bonus for any energetic purchasers is to have the joining fee waived if they jog along to a Bannatyne’s Health Club, where they will also receive an exclusive gift.

Readers with memories that can stretch back to over a fortnight ago will recall that I was somewhat perplexed over the lack of information following the arrival of a green and black NurTure sticker on a range of Tesco produce. Since then, store leaflets and shelf barkers have begun to appear, and there is an explanation on Tesco’s customer website.

There is no mention of Nature’s Choice, but the new logo stems from 1992, the company claims, when it pioneered good farming practice. Since then, things have moved on and this accredited standard now covers 15,000 growers in 70 countries.

Suppliers have been awarded bronze, silver and gold status for their efforts for some time. What is possibly less well-known is that the scheme has been the catalyst for supporting local communities as far afield as Peru, South Africa and Spain. But one new element announced on the website is that all organic suppliers in the UK and Europe will be registered by the end of this year.