Tesco has begun stocking its first English asparagus of the season, more than three weeks earlier than usual.
The Jubilee variety, grown exclusively for the supermarket in Suffolk, went into stores on 30 March. It is traditionally available from late April, but the harvest was brought forward following the recent sunny spell. The crop will be on sale in 400 stores at £2.50 for a 160g pack.
Tesco produce buying manager David Daniels said:“This is a brilliant opportunity for customers who love English asparagus to enjoy it unusually early in the year.
“Thanks to the mild weather of late, our grower in Suffolk has been able to produce enough asparagus to supply stores across the UK, which is really quite a feat.The Jubilee asparagus is regarded as one of the best varieties in the world, and with itsdelicate sweet and nutty taste, it’s perfect for a healthy spring salad.”
Tesco also announced that it will be selling English carrots for 29p/kg - down from 45p - following a bumper crop, having made the decision to take a further one million carrots from growers.
Daniels added: 'At Tesco we’re passionate about working in partnership with our suppliers so that no edible food goes to waste. This is the latest bumper crop that we been able to take in recent months which has also included great deals for customers on cauliflowers, strawberries, cherries and lettuces.'
