A new high-quality variety of English-grown asparagus, available earlier than usual will hit Tesco shelves in the U.K. next week.

Since its launch in 2012, Jubilee asparagus has caused quite a stir in the U.K., featured in dishes by gourmets and celebrity chefs.

This year the "nutty" and "delicate sweet" vegetable comes one week earlier than usual from producer Cobrey Farms which has an exclusive deal to supply the retailer.

"It’s fantastic to be able to offer customers an early-season variety of asparagus with such a high-quality taste," said Tesco asparagus buyer Bart Vangorp.

"Like any new produce variety it has taken a few years to get a name for itself but last year, thanks largely to word of mouth from food lovers, its popularity took off.

"We’ve worked in partnership with Cobrey Farms to ensure it’s in stores a week earlier than usual and before the traditional start of the English asparagus season."

Tesco worked with the Chinn family at Cobrey Farms to develop the Jubilee variety several years ago and, due to popular demand, the growers have increased production.

"The feedback from shoppers was very good so we planted more. Last year demand soared so much that we are now going to be doubling the amount of Jubilee asparagus we grow," producer Chris Chinn said.

"It takes about three years to get the full yield and this year we will have more than ever before.

"Demand for asparagus increased significantly during the English season, so we wanted to reward all those British asparagus lovers with a superior product that was available longer than standard varieties."

Jubilee asparagus will go on sale on April 11 and is sold in a punnet, which increases shelf life.

www.freshfruitportal.com