TASTE buds were tickled as the first of the outdoor asparagus crop from the Vale of Evesham came onto shop shelves this week.

Asparagus grown in polytunnels or under plastic sheeting has been around for some weeks but the weather has held back the traditional outdoor crop.

Nick Coley, of Harvington, took his first two cuts from his three acres on Monday and yesterday, 10 days later than last year.

"The later start is entirely down to the weather," Mr Coley said. "Cold conditions during the daytime and cold again at nights has meant that the land has remained cold, making it all a bit late."

The quality, however, is fine and Mr Coley said: "There is a lot of fine new buds coming along now although we won't be cutting in any quantity until next week when, according to the forecasts, the weather will be finer and warmer which is what the asparagus crop needs."

Mr Coley's father started asparagus growing at Harvington in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a tradition he carried on and he now has three acres of asparagus.

As the crop is growing in popularity again more and more smaller growers are putting in a few acres to sell through other outlets," added Mr Coley.