A new variety of purple asparagus is to be trialed by Tesco this week, introducing consumers to a different take on the vegetable which can be eaten raw.

The variety Burgundine is a purple and green cross grown on an English farm specifically as a new salad crop, and will be exclusively supplied to Tesco.

The supermarket is promoting the fiber-rich variety as a healthy lunch time option and believes it could prove particularly popular with office workers, because it can be eaten uncooked as part of a salad or the crunchy spears can be a nutritious snack on their own.

It contains slightly less lignin, the fiber element in asparagus.

"The great thing about Burgundine asparagus is its versatility because it can be eaten both raw and also gently steamed,” Tesco produce buyer James Strathdee says in a release.

"It is an eye-catching variety that is exceptionally sweet, juicy, crunchy and great for eating with dips and in salads. English asparagus is acknowledged by foodies to be the best in the world because of our climate and soil, which supports perfect growing conditions.

"This is the first time that Burgundine asparagus has been commercially grown in the U.K. If customers like it then we plan to grow more for next year.”

The asparagus salad will be on the shelves of more than 100 Tesco stores nationwide retailing for £2 (US$3.09) for 100 grams. The supermarket is also stocking other asparagus lines including white, fine and Jubilee.

The British asparagus season usually runs from April 21 until late June.

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