At Rushton’s, we’re proud to support and supply wholesale british asparagus — one of the UK’s most celebrated seasonal crops and a shining example ofsustainable produce at its best. Last year, we joined the Asparagus Growers Association, a network dedicated to promoting excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the British asparagus sector.
This spring, we deepened that commitment by attending the British Asparagus Conference, kindly hosted by Cobrey Farms near Ross-on-Wye. The event brought together growers, agronomists, and researchers to discuss everything from global production systems to emerging technology — all centred on safeguarding the future of this precious crop.
Why British Asparagus Matters
British asparagus is famed for its outstanding flavour, freshness, and nutrient profile. When grown and harvested in season, typically from early May to mid-June, it’s a world apart from imported alternatives. The spears are sweeter, more tender, and loaded with complex vegetal flavour thanks to shorter supply chains and minimal time from field to fork.
Nutritionally, asparagus is a powerhouse. It’s low in calories and high in vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants, making it a popular choice for both health-conscious kitchens and premium menus alike.
Grown by Hand — For Now
What many people don’t realise is just how labour-intensive asparagus farming is. Unlike many crops, asparagus spears must be harvested by hand, one at a time, and often multiple times a day during the peak season. Trained pickers walk the rows, selecting only spears of the correct height and thickness, too early and they underperform, too late and they become woody and fibrous.
This delicate process makes British asparagus one of the most hands-on crops still grown at scale — and a true craft product from field to plate.
