Brussels sprouts bigger than usual this Christmas after warm summer, says TH Clements

Lincolnshire-based TH Clements, one of the UK’s biggest growers of brassica, has reported that sprout yield is up by 20 per cent on 2019 and that they will be huge – up to 50 per cent bigger than usual.

It follows a warm spring and summer which has helped growth of the buttons – the part of the plant which is eaten.

Richard Mowbray of TH Clements, in Benington, near Boston, said: “The year so far for sprout production has been very good and we’re getting colder weather now just at the right time.

“During the last few weeks we have had some windy days which helps to blow the old leaves off the plants and is again good for helping the buttons to remain blemish free.

“If the weather stays like this then this will be the best Christmas for sprout quality in at least five years.”

Tesco, which is supplied by TH Clements, has reported a near 20 per cent rise in sprout sales this year compared with 2019.

The supermarket’s sprout expert Rob Hooper said that ideal weather from May has led to a great crop.

“This year the UK will get some of the best quality sprouts we’ve seen for at least five years and great news for cooks is that the larger size will mean that they will be easier to peel,” he said.

“Nobody likes the chore of peeling sprouts but this year, because of their size, customers will need fewer of them on their Christmas dinner plates.”