Another UK crop has peaked earlier that usual thanks to the mild winter and warmer temperatures recently – this time Sainsbury’s is stocking radish ahead of schedule.
Over the last few weeks cauliflower, carrots and asparagus have all been available earlier than usual and now radishes are on the shelves at Sainsbury’s thanks to good weather and growing conditions.
The retailer claimed to be the first UK supermarket to stock radish this season, 10 days ahead of schedule compared with last year.
Sainsbury’s sells 1,000 tonnes of British radishes during the season, sales are up 22% and supply is expected to last until October.
The traditional red globe-shaped Celesta variety was the first to be ready for harvest and Sainsbury’s has been working with Norfolk-based radish suppliers, G’s, since the 1980’s.
Grower Scott Watson manages one of the biggest areas in the country dedicated to growing radishes.
“In the Norfolk Fens, as one of the driest counties in the UK, we’re perfectly placed to grow top quality radishes with great flavour and a juicy crunch,” says Watson.
“The mild winter has meant that the radish have grown much faster than usual. It’s a real bonus for us to be able to increase the length of the British radish season and get them to Sainsbury’s customers earlier than ever before.”
The mild winter has meant that the radish have grown much faster than usual. It’s a real bonus for us to be able to increase the length of the British radish season and get them to Sainsbury’s customers earlier than ever before.”
New variety
Later this month Sainsbury’s is also launching bunched radishes – in addition to the colourful bulbs, the leaves can also be used as part of the salad.
And the retailer will be expanding the radish range with a trial of different coloured varieties this summer.
“We’ve seen demand for radishes increase by 22% in the past year as customers realise how versatile they are,” says Lily Peck, produce product technologist for Sainsbury’s.
“A few fresh radishes make a delicious crunchy snack or crudité, and their distinctive pinky-red hue adds an Instagram-worthy pop of colour to summer salads. As the weather gets warmer they actually get hotter in flavour so if you prefer a milder radish, these early varieties are the perfect choice.”
