UK: New sprout variety set to be darling of Christmas dinner
The Redarling sprout has a distinctive vivid red/purple colour and a mild, slightly sweeter flavour than most green varieties. They share similar nutritional benefits to regular sprouts, which are a rich source of Vitamin C and folic acid.
The Love Your Greens campaign is encouraging people to eat more Brassica vegetables, and Brassica growers and agronomists are constantly looking into new product development to encourage this.
This is the third year of trials to perfect the variety. Existing old red sprout varieties, which lacked uniformity and button quality, have been crossed with newer green varieties, producing more diversity over the years.
It’s common knowledge that many people dislike Brussels sprouts due to their occasionally bitter taste, so creating a sweeter variety, like the Redarling, will appeal to a wider market.
Redarling have been trialled in stores previously but this year they will be rolled out to more stores nationwide and it is expected to be a popular product amongst consumers. The sprouts are available this week in Waitrose stores, being sold in a 300g pack. They will be available from other retailers, including the Co-operative and Asda, over the next few weeks, in both pre-packed and on the stalk form.
George Read, Production Director responsible for the new variety, commented:
“Redarling has created some real innovation, in terms of colour and taste, in the Brussels sprout category. Redarling's vivid eye catching appearance is particularly attractive to children, and its milder, sweeter flavour has ensured a great eating experience, driving sales with existing and new Brussels sprout consumers. We are expecting great sales over this year's Christmas period.”
For more information:
Georgia Smith
The Little Big Voice ®
Tel: +44 (0) 208 338 0188
Email: gsmith@thelittlebigvoice.com
thelittlebigvoice.com