Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to sell British-grown samphire all year round – ending the vegetable’s traditionally short summer season.
The retailer says shoppers will now be able to buy home-grown samphire throughout the year instead of during its usual 12-week window.
Known for its salty flavour and crunchy texture, the sea vegetable has long been a favourite with chefs and seafood lovers.
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It is often served alongside fish dishes in restaurants during the summer months.
Now, thanks to new growing technology, Waitrose customers will be able to pick up British-grown samphire even in the middle of winter, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The supermarket has teamed up with British producer Westlands, which says it has become the first UK grower to cultivate samphire year-round using specialist glasshouse technology and hydroponic growing systems.
Rather than being grown in coastal marshes, the samphire is produced in carefully controlled environments designed to mimic its natural habitat.
Growers use LED lighting to recreate sunlight and saline-rich water systems to replicate the salty coastal conditions that give samphire its distinctive taste.
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Tracey May, Fresh Prepared Produce Buyer at Waitrose, said: “Traditionally, British samphire has been a fleeting summer delicacy with just a 12-week window.
“We know how much our customers value British produce, so we’re thrilled to break that barrier.
“By becoming the first retailer to offer this, we’re delivering that premium, peak-season British quality to our shelves all year round.”
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Until now, British samphire has only been available for a few months each year, with supermarkets often relying on imports outside the domestic season.
Waitrose says the new system will help reduce reliance on imported produce while maintaining year-round availability.
“It’s a massive UK first, ensuring a reliable, continuous supply of that signature salty-sweet crunch, even in the depths of January,” said Hannah Stewart, Produce Technical Manager at Waitrose.
The innovation also brings environmental benefits.
Westlands says around 85% of the water used during the growing process is recycled through collection, filtration and reuse systems.
The company has also invested in renewable energy projects, including rooftop solar panels used to help power the specialist lighting systems.
Samphire has surged in popularity with home cooks in recent years as shoppers look to recreate restaurant-style dishes at home.
Paul Gamble, Senior Development Chef at Waitrose, said: “Our obsession with rich, umami flavours is huge right now, and sea vegetables are right at the centre of that.
“Samphire has evolved from a niche foodie secret to an absolute staple on the British dinner table.”
He added: “It’s incredibly versatile – beyond fresh fish and seafood, it adds a brilliant, vibrant pop to summery salads and pasta dishes.
“I love popping it on the barbecue for a smoky edge – simply toss in oil, black pepper and cook in a heatproof pan until tender, then finish with lemon juice!”
As well as being popular in fish dishes, samphire is increasingly being used in salads, pasta recipes and barbecue cooking.
Waitrose also says the vegetable is a source of calcium and fibre and contains naturally occurring minerals absorbed from its saline growing environment.
The move is the latest in a series of efforts by retailers and growers to cut food miles and increase the availability of British produce throughout the year.
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