Tesco has started selling sprout stalks – the vegetable bearing stem of the plant, with Brussels sprouts attached. This follows a similar initiative by Sainsbury's.

Although the stem is cut, it continues to provide nutrients to the sprouts for over two weeks, helping the vegetables stay fresh until picked.

Tesco Brussels sprout buyer Chris Preston said: 'You can't buy sprouts any fresher than this. It's as good as having the farm come to your kitchen.

'With the Brussels sprout stalk, customers have their very own plant from which to hand pick their sprouts as and when they need them.' Tesco says the sprout stalk is the latest move in its bid to deliver the freshest produce.

Tesco sprout stalks are grown near Boston and Lincolnshire, and are said to arrive at stores within 12 hours of harvesting.

Preston added: 'The sprout stalk is very versatile. It will suffice for one big Christmas dinner for several people.' Stalks cost £1.49, and Tesco expects to sell around 120 million English Brussels sprouts this Christmas.

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