Rising temperatures lead to bumper harvest of homegrown exotic crops like tea and olives

by Sean Poulter - 21/10/2010

"Rising temperatures and changing tastes have led to the fields of Britain being turned over to exotic crops such as tea, melons, chillis and olives."

Foodstuffs that have historically been grown in sunnier climes are flourishing on farms from Cornwall to Scotland. For example, it is now commonplace for sweetcorn to be grown in southern England.

The research was led by horticulturist Christopher Collins, who said the pattern ‘suggests a shifting horticultural landscape that could soon see traditional foods being supplanted by their exotic cousins’. He added that rising temperatures, the cost of imports and Britons’ more varied diet were all factors.

Grapes are the most commonly grown of these crops. Commercial grapevines were introduced into the country in 1984. Today, there are more than 300 vineyards in the south and as far north as Pembrokeshire.

There are 61 businesses growing melons – originally a product of Africa or Asia – primarily in the south-east and south-west of England.

Some 45 British growers are producing artichokes, which originated in the Mediterranean, from the south-west up to Leicestershire.

Olive groves are normally seen in hot countries such as Greece or Turkey, but two can now be found in Britain – one in Wales and one in London.

And tea is being grown on one plantation in Cornwall, with others expected to follow. Other exotic crops under commercial production include chillis, okra, soya beans and kohlrabi.

The report was commissioned to mark the launch today of the new Market Kitchen series on the Good Food TV channel.

More Details: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/gardening/article-1321442/Rising-temperatures-lead-bumper-harvest-homegrown-exotic-crops-like-tea-olives.html