Agricultural scientists at R&K Drysdale have said that a high-tech grading machine, nicknamed the ‘sproutatron‘, is helping them select the perfect sprouts.
The machine allows the growers, based in Cockburnspath, Scotland, to accurately size the sprouts with the push of a button.
By matching sprouts according to size, the company said, customers will find their packs have more consistently sized sprouts within each bag, making the cooking process more even.
R&K Drysdale said its long-term relationship with Tesco allowed them to invest in the grading machine, which is also able to peel and pack the sprouts.
The machine works by taking eight photos of the sprout as they move along a catwalk-like conveyor belt, identifying any that need processing, i.e. having yellow leaves taken off.
The result now means being able to pack even-sized sprouts, ending the problem of having some that are large and others that are small once they reach supermarket shelves.
This will also put an end to the “dining table lottery” of some people getting small, overcooked and soggy sprouts while others get the bigger and harder ones, according to Tesco, which gets about 70% of its Brussels Sprouts supply from R&K Drysdale.
Tesco produce buyer, Sam Miller, said: “Thanks to the latest technology, our customers will be able to buy some of the very best tasting and freshest sprouts available.
“These machines also speed up the grading procedure, which drastically cuts the time it takes to get the sprouts from the field to our shelves.
“That means the sprouts our customers take home this Christmas will stay fresh for even longer.
“And judging by the survey we undertook a few months ago, last year’s perfect sprouts have already led to a major increase in younger people now liking the vegetable – something many thought impossible just a few years ago.”
The introduction of new milder and sweeter sprout varieties, particularly one called Cobelius, have proved successful in converting young people into Brussels Sprouts lovers, Tesco added.
A survey by the supermarket revealed that the number of 18-24 year olds who claim to ‘love’ sprouts has risen from 26% in 2021 to 44% in 2022.
R&K Drysdale said the popularity of cooking programmes on television have also had an impact, as they share innovative new ways to enjoy sprouts such as roasting or frying them and even shredding them in salads.
Drysdale general manager, Gavin Milne, said: “We work closely with seed houses on varietal development and taste, with the aim being to eliminate varieties that are more bitter than others.
“Research into creating new varieties with low bitterness levels and an attractive mild taste has been going on for a while and Drysdale now have many of these varieties in their growing plans every year.”
