Love them or loathe them, Brussels sprouts are taking centre stage this Christmas—and they’re supersized. Thanks to new varieties and favourable growing conditions, this year’s festive crop is expected to be up to 25 percent “bigger” and “tastier”, delighting sprout fans across the UK.

Supermarket giant Tesco has worked closely with key suppliers, including T H Clements in Lincolnshire and Drysdale in Berwickshire, to bring improved varieties to British tables. The new varieties are not only hardier in the UK’s unpredictable climate but also reportedly offer a superior flavour and crunchier texture.

Simon Tenwick, sprout buyer at Tesco, says: “We’ve been working hard this year to bring in new varieties that have helped us deliver a better tasting sprout with a crunchier texture and perfect size.

“The quality of the festive crop that has been coming through in the last few weeks is among the best we’ve had in recent years, and we are certain sprout fans will be delighted.”

The supermarket giant expects to sell around 1.5 million kg of sprouts in the two weeks before Christmas.

Favourable conditions

Last year’s harvest suffered from heavy rain and mild conditions caused by Storm Babet, resulting in smaller sprouts with an average diameter of just 24mm. This year, however, the reversal in weather—with warm summer sunshine, timely autumn rain, and colder December temperatures—has produced sprouts averaging 30mm.

John Moulding, Commercial Director at T H Clements, credits careful land selection and favourable microclimates for the success. “We’ve worked hard over the last 12 months to improve not only this year’s but future crop yields, starting by the selection of new land to plant the sprouts – the alluvial silts, only found on the east coast of Lincolnshire,” he explains.

“The silts are situated in different growing areas that all have their own microclimates and coastal frost protection.”

In the lead-up to Christmas, T H Clements will run up to 16 harvesters around the clock, delivering an impressive 192 million sprouts to households nationwide.

With “bigger” and “tastier” sprouts on offer, even the most sceptical diners might find themselves reaching for seconds this year.

Will you embrace the sprout resurgence or stick to your Christmas carrots?