A new vegetable named Flower Sprout, a cross between a Brussels Sprout and a kale, is due to hit the shelves of Marks & Spencer this week.
Bred by Tozer Seeds, the Flower Sprout is a brand new vegetable that will arrive at the retailer following ten years of development from the Surrey-based breeder.
The harvest window stretches from October to early March from mid-March sowings and is supplied exclusively to M&S via Manor Fresh Ltd.
Tozer started making tentative crosses of sprout and kale varieties in 1995 and development continued with the use of different-coloured sprout and kale parent lines. Just one variety has been released so far, but other varieties in a range of colour forms and maturities will be available shortly.
The Flower Sprout, developed using traditional hybridization techniques, has a Brussels sprout-like plant habit, a tall stem with rosettes forming all the way up to a frilly-leaved top.
It is extremely winter hardy and with a similar cropping calendar to sprouts. The taste is milder and sweeter than a Brussels sprout with a good texture and can be steamed, stir-fried or microwaved, according to Tozer.
Dr Jamie Claxton of Tozer Seeds said: “Most breeding is done to improve existing varieties. Tozer’s independence means we have more flexibility in our breeding programmes and we can be more imaginative. We have become known for our ability to produce new, exciting, novel vegetables and Flower Sprout is no exception. Breeding a new variety can take over 10 years so it’s a real sense of achievement when your product hits the market. I’m really excited about seeing Flower Sprout on the shelves.”
Several select growers are producing the new vegetable including Gloucestershire-based grower WR Haines Ltd. Martin Haines said: “We are very excited to be producing this brand new vegetable. It tastes fantastic and we’ve had great reports from everyone who has tried it.”
The name was chosen by Pam Johnson following a competition to name the new vegetable in Good Housekeeping magazine.
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