UK farmers are currently facing one of the driest and hottest growing seasons in decades, with repeated heatwaves following a warmer-than-usual spring. This has led to predictions of the worst harvest since records began.
The extreme heat is affecting both the quantity and appearance of produce. Vegetables such as cauliflower are developing a 'sun-tanned' yellow colour, cucumbers are becoming misshapen and curly, and potatoes are growing with 'knobbly' ends.
Normally, retailers reject fruit and vegetables that do not meet strict guidelines on size, shape, and colour. However, with supplies under pressure, many are now expected to relax these rules to ensure shelves remain stocked. This means consumers may start seeing smaller, wonkier, or oddly coloured vegetables in stores in the coming weeks, which growers and sellers confirm are still good to eat.
Some supermarkets, including Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons, and Waitrose, already have dedicated lines for wonky vegetables. Waitrose's produce technical manager, Calum Kelly, stated that the company relaxes size and shape guidelines for key vegetables in demanding weather conditions to reduce waste and support growers.