Morrisons has added asparagus into its wonky veg range for the first time after an early start to the season led to some misshapen spears.
The warm spring saw UK asparagus begin around three weeks early, with spears tracking low-lying April sunshine and leading to a slightly wonky crop. A combination of changeable hot and cold spring temperatures has also resulted in shorter and longer spears, Morrisons said.
Selling for £1 for 180g, the wonky asparagus will help growers “see the crop through” and sell more product to retail, rather than using other markets such as processing, the retailer said.
It also opens the seasonal favourite up to more consumers, some of whom can’t afford asparagus at its usual premium price, according to supermarket. It is being promoted to shoppers as a discounted “luxury product”, normally sold for £1.75 a bundle (250g).
Morrisons asparagus buyer Michael Weightman said: “We’ve stepped in to buy the crop as we wanted to help growers and put this normally luxury ingredient into the hands of shoppers for just a pound.”
James Dale, of supplier Flamingo Produce, said: “The warm early spring and temperature fluctuations has resulted in ten to fifteen per cent of our asparagus crop growing wonky this spring.
“But it’s only their shape which is different. Growing asparagus takes many years of hard work so we’re grateful that this part of the crop is being sold on to customers and will not be wasted.”
The promotion began on 24 April and sees wonky asparagus join the 14-strong lineup of other misshapen produce in the range.
During the season, Morrisons will sell seven types of asparagus including wonky, an exclusive The Best Emerald Crest Asparagus Spears, along with purple, white and green varieties.
Most of the crop will originate from the supermarket’s outdoor growers in the Ross on Wye, Vale of Evesham and Kent, with some local suppliers delivering direct into local stores.
It will be sold in traditional ‘naked’ bundles tied with rubber bands, along with a range of packaged varieties. Recipe cards and accompaniments will be sold alongside the vegetable to inspire customers to cook a range of traditional asparagus dishes.
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