WAITROSE has declared that it has become the first national supermarket to sell Scottish-grown asparagus in stores across the country.

The produce is the first asparagus crop to be cultivated by Angus farmer James Brunton, whose family have been growing potatoes in the region for three generations. It is claimed to be the first time that the vegetable has been growing commercially at scale for sales in supermarkets in Scotland.

Michael Jarvis of Scotty Brand, which has partnered the Brunton family to bring its Gijnlim variety of asparagus to Waitrose, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Waitrose and with the Brunton family to offer asparagus to the Scottish shopper. It is a delicious and nutritious vegetable which is low on food miles and high on taste and is an excellent addition to our range of Scottish foods.”

The asparagus season takes place in the spring, with the bulk of the crop originating from growers in England. However growing conditions are favourable in Angus because of its soil and climate. The area has a lower than average rainfall, long daylight hours during the summer, and very little frost.

Waitrose said that it usually takes three years for an asparagus plant to mature, adding that, while a commercial asparagus crop can be productive for five to seven years, a domestic crop can last for up two decades.

The retailer noted the growing popularity of the vegetable, attributed to its versatility and health benefits (it is a rich source of vitamin C and vitamin K, promotes healthy bacteria, is mildly diuretic, and helps detoxifies the body, according to the Asparagus Growers’ Association) have helped sales rise by nearly 20 per cent in the last three months.

Gary Grace, fresh produce buyer at Waitrose, said: “Growing Scottish asparagus is a labour of love. Each spear is harvested by hand when it reaches just the right height. We’re very excited about our collaboration with Scotty Brand which has made it possible for James Brunton to provide our Scottish customers with Scottish asparagus for the first time.”