The British Sprout Growers' Association (BSGA) has given sprout fans everywhere the chance to celebrate by designating an official date – coinciding with the start of the game shooting season – to mark the occasion.

While sprout lovers across the country celebrated, growers were planning inventive charity 'sprout runs' to get hand-picked sprouts from the fields to the dinner tables - in the shortest possible time.

In a move that is hoped will create eager anticipation for British sprouts, Roger Welberry, spokesman for the BSGA, said: 'What we want is a celebration of sprouts, and their arrival in restaurants, greengrocers and supermarkets. It is accepted that people look forward to new potatoes and new season wine, such as Beaujolais. There is no reason why we shouldn't greet new season British sprouts with the same enthusiasm.' The association, which claims the sprout is one of the tastiest vegetables around, is calling for the public to incorporate sprouts in previously untried dishes – in salads, quiches and pasta meals.

Said Welberry: 'The sprout is one of the healthiest and most versatile vegetables you can eat. They are traditional to farming and with export sales, the British sprout market is worth an annual £30million. This makes the sprout vital to the country's economy.'

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