United Kingdom
December 9, 2024
The British-grown vegetable is hitting stores nationwide and will be available until the end of March.
“We are very excited about this season with our Kalettes® harvest already underway. Improved growing conditions and expanded production provide a very positive outlook for the months to come”, explains George Read, Production Director at Lincolnshire grower Staples Vegetables.
A British winter staple
Launched in 2011, this cross between curly kale and Brussels sprouts, has carved out a niche among food enthusiasts who value quality, freshness, and nutrition. “We have been growing this crop in collaboration with seed company Tozer for over a decade now. It’s been great to see Kalettes® becoming a British winter staple during that time” explains George Read, Production Director at Lincolnshire grower Staples Vegetables.
Appreciated for their nutty flavour, crisp texture, and vibrant appearance, Kalettes® are available at nationwide stores from November until the end of March. Staples Vegetables is the primary producer of Kalettes® in the UK, supplying them to major retailers such as Sainsbury’s, M&S, Waitrose, and Morrisons.
A seasonal delight
“While Kalettes® are seasonal, that’s part of their charm. Our consumers recognize the value and freshness of seasonal produce. Every year, they celebrate the arrival of Kalettes® to the stores but then naturally they are sad to see it go from the shelves as the season ends”, he adds.
To address the challenges of seasonality, seed company Tozer is hard at work in the breeding program to introduce new earlier-maturing Kalettes®. “Extending the harvest window, is now our goal”, says David Rogers, Comercial Director at Tozer. “We want to expand the time frame for consumers to enjoy this delicious vegetable. it will be great to see how greater availability will impact consumer demand in the coming years.”
A powerhouse of nutrition
Kalettes® are not only a seasonal delight but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Rich in vitamins C and K, along with high fiber content and antioxidants, they are a perfect addition to any healthy diet. Their versatility in the kitchen makes them ideal for roasting, sautéing, grilling, or adding raw to salads – a perfect match for those seeking creative, nutrient-packed meals during the cooler months.
In addition to the UK, Kalettes® are also gaining popularity in the USA, EU and Australia, where demand and availability continues to grow.
For more information, including recipe inspiration and updates on availability, visit the official Kalettes® website: https://kalettes.co.uk.
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