"It was great to be able to supply this well known aphrodisiac for Valentines day but the volume was very restricted with the the main cloche crop not starting until the beginning of April."
The main crop is set to be good due to a fantastic summer last year which charged the plants and decent chill units over the winter. "It should be a great season but predicting the start of the main season is really hard as it all now depends on the weather in the next few weeks and months, I guess this is part of the joy of asparagus," according to Chinn.
The asparagus on the market just now is still from the protected crop. Wye Valley had a PR day yesterday with British Asparagus which caused a bit of a stir on twitter today.
The company has expanded its production of white asparagus this year but Chinn explains it will remain a niche product. "It was very popular last year, mostly among people who had experienced it in mainland Europe where it is the main type, and the chefs who were looking for something different to work with."
Last year was the first time that fresh white asparagus was available in the UK. This year's crop is expected early mid April, around the same as last year.
For more information:
Chris Chinn
Cobrey Farms
Tel: +44 (0) 1989 562770
Email: chris@cobrey.co.uk
www.cobrey.co.uk