EVER fancied asparagus, but thought it was a bit too expensive?

Well due to the warm weather of the past few weeks much of the crop has grown 'wonky'.

Normally prized for its perfect upright spear, asparagus - a well-known aphrodisiac - is most often bought by food lovers who can afford its price tag from late April until the summer solstice. 

The Northern Echo:

ASPARAGUS: Due to the warm weather of the past few weeks much of the crop has grown 'wonky'. Picture: MORRISONS

A warm early spring has encouraged asparagus shoots to push up early.

As shoots track the sun round the sky – and early spring sun levels are low - it has caused some of the crop to grow into a ‘wonky’ shape.

A combination of changeable hot and cold spring temperatures has also resulted in shorter and longer spears.

Due to its unusual appearance, supermarket Morrisons is slashing the price of its produce to just £1 (for 180g).

Morrisons 'Wonky Asparagus' will become part of a 14-strong Wonky fruit and vegetable range.

Though wonky, Morrisons says the asparagus will have tender spears which will taste sweet and fresh.

Kevin Hayes, store manager at Morrisons Morton Park in Darlington said: “We’ve stepped in to buy the crop as we wanted to help growers and put this normally luxury ingredient into the hands of Darlington’s shoppers for just a pound.” 

James Dale from Flamingo Produce said: “The warm early spring and temperature fluctuations has resulted in ten to 15 per cent of our asparagus crop growing wonky this spring.

"But it’s only their shape which is different. Growing asparagus takes many years of hard work so we’re grateful that this part of the crop is being sold on to customers and will not be wasted.”

Morrisons asparagus will be sold in traditional ‘naked’ bundles tied with rubber bands, along with a range of packaged varieties. Recipe cards and accompaniments will be sold alongside the vegetable to inspire customers to cook a range of traditional asparagus dishes.