Apparently we'll be seeing a lot more "ugly" veg in our supermarkets this year as stores agree to stock produce that doesn't meet the visual standards required of our carrots and parsnips.
The very wet summer means a lot of British produces is smaller, thinner and less pretty than usual - but rather than import from other countries, Waitrose, Morrisons and Sainsbury have all agreed to make an exception.
It means more than 300,000 tonnes of British produce - enough to fill 2,500 Boeing 747s - is estimated to have reached supermarket shelves.
So far this season, concessions made by the major retailers include:
- an early move by Waitrose to accept shorter carrots, thinner parsnips and smaller strawberries;
- a decision by Morrisons to incorporate smaller than usual versions of broccoli, leeks, sprouts, swedes, apples and pears into its value ranges;
a commitment from Sainsbury’s to use all fruit and veg that meets regulations and stands up on taste, also incorporating them into products such as ready-prepared salads, mash in ready meals and fillings in bakery products.
But we want to know: are you really swayed by what an apple looks like? Do weather-blemished potatoes get rejected? Do you mind if your carrot is bendy and not straight? In short, would you buy "ugly" veg all year round?
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