Gourmet British Asparagus Hits Tesco Shelves Six Weeks Early Thanks To Coconut Coir
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Tesco expects to retail around 60% more asparagus this year on the back of early season arrivals after one of its growers perfected the technique of using recycled coconut husk fibre to speed up commercial production.
In a ‘real coup for shoppers’, Tesco said the popular crop has arrived in stores six weeks early – well before the traditional English asparagus window, which typically runs from late April (around St George’s Day) to late June.
Tesco grower New Forest Fruit in Hampshire has been perfecting the unusual production technique of using recycled coir, or coconut husk fibre, for several years.
Plus after this week’s warm temperatures further boosted production, the firm is now able to support Tesco with additional early season supply of gourmet-quality asparagus.
“The British-grown asparagus season is relatively short so to get the absolute highest quality variety six weeks earlier than usual is a real coup and bonus for shoppers,” explained Tesco asparagus buyer, Lisa Lawrence.
“But because the traditional English season is so short, running roughly for around eight weeks, it’s an incredibly coveted food,” Lawrence added. “As a result of this early season asparagus we will have about 60 per cent more on our shelves this year.”
New Forest Fruit grows purple and green asparagus in coconut coir to create a natural heated protection which allows the vegetable to grow faster than traditional methods.
This growing method also helps to develop higher than usual Brix levels within the plant, and enables New Forest Fruit to produce around double the number of asparagus crowns per hectare compared to conventional field systems, Tesco said in a news release.
Warmer Weather Boosts Performance
This week’s double-digit temperatures, both day and night, have made a “real difference” to the asparagus crop, added New Forest Fruit owner, Sandy Booth.
“Once conditions consistently rise above 10°C, the plants break dormancy and begin active growth,” noted Booth.
“In our tunnels, we’re able to capture and retain that warmth, creating a favourable microclimate that accelerates spear emergence and improves early-season quality. The recent mild spell in the South of England has helped us move the season forward naturally and sustainably.”
New Forest Fruit also covers its asparagus crop with fleece to trap warmth from the sun, resulting in a natural increase in soil temperatures which helps spears to emerge without artificial heating.
Tesco said its early season gourmet asparagus will be further supplemented by grower Cobrey Farms, based near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.