Wholesale Fresh British Asparagus

Heritage

The Thorogoods have been cultivating asparagus for over 25 years, drawing on more than half a century of farming experience at their New Moor Farm. While the family originally grew vegetables for London’s wholesale fresh produce markets, they shifted to arable farming before beginning their journey into asparagus in the late 1980s.

Today, Mark Thorogood, who now leads the farm, supplies Rushton’s alongside a select group of farm shops, delis, restaurants, and top farmers’ markets across Essex and London. This direct connection to our parent company ensures unmatched freshness and quality – the asparagus you receive today was likely in the field yesterday.

Unlike imported alternatives, Thorogood asparagus develops substantial stems with an intensely sweet, nutty flavour. The Essex coastal climate allows for optimal growing conditions, concentrating flavour and creating that perfect balance of sweetness and grassy notes that’s so characteristic of premium British asparagus.

Nutritional Profile

Want to give your diners some compelling reasons to order your asparagus dishes? British asparagus offers an impressive nutritional profile:

• Exceptionally high in folate, essential for cell health and function
• Rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from damage
• Excellent source of vitamin K, important for bone health
• Contains natural compounds that support liver function
• Packed with prebiotic fibre that promotes gut health
• High in potassium and low in sodium – ideal for heart health

The nutritional density of Thorogood asparagus makes it a perfect ingredient for health-conscious spring menus, combining culinary appeal with genuine functional benefits.

Chef’s Corner

We’ve seen how British asparagus can transform spring menus, bringing that seasonal excitement that diners actively seek out. Its versatility and depth of flavour make it suitable for everything from simple preparations to complex, technique-driven dishes.

Here are some applications that showcase Thorogood asparagus at its best:

• Grilled over charcoal for that smoky complexity, dressed simply with good butter and sea salt
• Steamed and served with a light hollandaise – a classic combination that never fails
• Paired with other spring ingredients like Jersey Royals, peas, and fresh herbs in a seasonal salad
• Used as a base for vibrant, velvety soup that captures the essence of spring
• Wrapped in quality ham and quickly roasted as an elegant starter
• Blanched and chilled for a dramatic crudité presentation

Remember that British asparagus tends to require slightly longer cooking than imported varieties – typically 3-5 minutes for blanching or 5-7 minutes for grilling, depending on thickness. We understand how busy your kitchen gets during service, so finding that perfect cooking time is crucial.

Complementary Ingredients

Need inspiration for your asparagus menu planning? Here are some perfect partners from our range:

• Fresh farm eggs for classic combinations – especially duck eggs with their rich yolks
• British farmhouse butter – that richness works wonderfully with asparagus
• Fresh seasonal herbs, particularly chervil, mint and dill
• Jersey Royal potatoes – another iconic spring ingredient that pairs beautifully
• Early season peas and broad beans for an all-British spring plate
• Quality British cheeses like a good Caerphilly or Lancashire

Let us know what you’re planning, and we can coordinate your order to ensure all your ingredients arrive together, perfectly fresh and ready to use.

Wholesale British Asparagus from Rushton’s

What makes our Thorogood asparagus truly special isn’t just the exceptional flavour – it’s how it’s grown. Mark Thorogood has introduced regenerative farming techniques that prioritise soil health, biodiversity, and carbon capture:. Read more about it on this blog.

This commitment to sustainability perfectly aligns with Rushton’s environmental values and our transition to 100% compostable packaging.

The season runs May through June – a brief window to showcase this exceptional British ingredient. As London’s leading fresh produce wholesaler, we’re delivering Thorogood asparagus throughout the capital six days a week, ensuring you receive it at peak freshness.

Browse our fresh produce wholesale collection to discover complementary seasonal British ingredients that will help you create memorable spring menus.

Give our team a call to check availability and discuss your requirements. We’re here to help you make the most of this precious British season, delivering quality produce directly to your kitchen with the reliability and service that sets Rushton’s apart.