Sun-tanned cauliflowers and knobbly spuds - the heatwave veg that's good to eat
Extreme heat and drought in the UK are causing cosmetic defects in produce, such as sun-tanned cauliflower. Retailers are expected to relax aesthetic standards to prevent food waste and maintain supply chain availability.
Why it matters
Climate-driven agricultural challenges are forcing a shift in consumer expectations and retail practices regarding food appearance.
Image source, Oddbox By Alex Daniel Business reporter Published 45 minutes ago Would you buy a cauliflower that looks like it's been sunburnt or a cucumber that's curled back on itself?
Farmers across the UK are grappling with one of the driest, hottest growing seasons in decades. Repeated heatwaves after a warmer than usual spring have led to predictions of the worst harvest since records began.
The heat is not only affecting how much produce is grown, but also how it looks.
Retailers usually reject fruit and vegetables that don't meet strict guidelines on size, shape and colour. But with supplies under pressure, many are now expected to loosen those rules rather than risk empty shelves.
That means shoppers could start seeing smaller, wonkier or oddly coloured veg on the shelves in the coming weeks - and sellers and growers say it's still good to eat.
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