Home-grown raspberries are making an early appearance in Waitrose with the extra large variety Berry Jewel hitting the shelves over the next few days.
Berry Jewel has been around for a few years now with UK production increasing year on year to keep pace with growing demand.
According to high-end grocer Waitrose, this season’s supply – grown in Runcton, near Chichester, by Waitrose supplier Harry Hall – are extra sweet following warm and sunny weather in the South of England which has lead to increased sugar levels in the fruit.
Growing to at least twice the size of regular varieties, they are grown in greenhouses and harvested by hand to ensure quality.
“The recent sunny weather has led to a shift towards lighter style eating so we warmly welcome the arrival of our first home grown raspberries,” says Waitrose fruit buyer, Nicki Baggott.
“This is such a great time of year for cooks as spring heralds the start of British seasonal fruit and veg. Our raspberries will be joining Jersey Royals and English asparagus which have also appeared on our shelves in the past few weeks.”
Berry Jewel raspberries will be in stores from April 2, priced at £3 for 125g.
