Brussels Sprouts to Grow 25% Larger this Christmas Season
Brussels sprouts are set to make a big splash this holiday season as they are expected to be 25% larger this year, according to Tesco. The supermarket has reported that ideal growing conditions and the introduction of new, hardier varieties have led to what they are calling the “best crop we’ve had in recent years” of this festive staple.
Expanding in Size
The average diameter of a Brussels sprout this year is 30mm, a significant increase from the 24mm diameter seen last year. In 2023, heavy rainfall in late November and December resulted in a lower sprout yield than usual.
Optimal Growing Conditions
John Moulding, the commercial director of vegetable supplier TH Clements based in Lincolnshire, noted the favorable growing conditions this year. He mentioned that there was a reversal in conditions compared to the previous year, with the right balance of warmth, sunshine, rain, and colder weather contributing to the improved crop. To ensure an ample supply of sprouts for Christmas dinners, Moulding’s team shifted their growing plots to a new type of soil this year.
New Growing Areas
The sprouts were cultivated on “alluvial silts” on the east coast of Lincolnshire, characterized by silty fields on reclaimed marshland. According to Mr. Moulding, these areas have unique microclimates and coastal frost protection, providing the ideal environment for sprout growth.
Hardier Varieties
Tesco collaborated with growers to select robust sprout varieties capable of withstanding the UK’s unpredictable weather. In the past, sprouts have been genetically modified to reduce their bitter taste, which is further softened by frost converting bitter starches into sugars.
Festive Sales
As the holiday season approaches, TH Clements plans to operate up to 16 harvesters continuously to deliver approximately 192 million sprouts. Tesco anticipates selling around 1.5 million kg of sprouts in the two weeks leading up to Christmas, representing a quarter of the annual sprout consumption. This translates to an impressive three sprouts for every individual in the country during this period.
Get Ready for Bigger and Better Brussels Sprouts this Christmas!
As we gear up for the festive season, get ready to enjoy Brussels sprouts that are not only larger but also tastier than ever before. With new growing techniques, ideal conditions, and hardier varieties, this year’s sprout crop promises to be a delight for sprout enthusiasts. So, when you sit down to your Christmas meal, savor those extra-large sprouts that have been carefully cultivated to make your holiday season even more special. Cheers to a bountiful feast!
