New descriptions are giving the UK vegetable industry a boost. A sticker has appeared on the twin pack celery hearts grown for Waitrose at 88p, which reminds you of the expressions used by Mary Poppins. They are described as “Clelicious”.

Sainsbury’s has Sunbeam marrows at £1.75, and Marks & Spencer exclusively provides a trademarked variety of runner bean called Tender-Dream at £1.99 for 385g.

Additionally, the time when English asparagus was regarded as a mid-summer seasonal treat with a short time span may still echo in consumers’ memories, but M&S has a roundel announcing the new season has made its appearance again.

The exclusive crop grown by the Chinn family is on offer in a range of presentations, which include Royal Crown at £2.99 for 200g; tips at £2.49 for 100g; and Extra Fine at £1.99 for 125g.

Meanwhile Tesco has come up with a new twist on packaging for growing herbs. A single plant complete with its roots in a plug is pre-packed with the message that it stays fresher longer, either by keeping it in the fridge or immersing it in water. Both coriander and basil are available at £1 each.

Taste certainly counts when it comes to chillies, but for something stronger at Tesco, Bedfordshire has added its county identity to Super Naga – believed to be the hottest on the market at 90p for 15g – so much so that the instructions warn they must not be touched without gloves.

Providing produce with a pedigree is something which has had European producers queuing up for some time in Brussels. With reference to Appellation d’Origine Protégée, Sainsbury’s has a new French fig pack in its Taste the Difference range at £2.80 for 140g. The black variety is described as Figue de Sollies.