Asparagus, which is mainly grown in Worcestershire, is enjoying a surge in popularity across the UK, with sales rising faster than any other vegetable, according to Sainsbury's.

Sales of asparagus at the supermarket are up by a staggering 290 per cent compared to last year.

The growth comes after the current advertising campaign as well as such TV programs as Jamie Oliver's School Dinners and You are What You Eat.

"The demand for asparagus has been astonishing," said Sainsbury's trading manager, John Maylam.

"It seems that our customers are becoming more adventurous where fruit and vegetables are concerned, and the asparagus market is now certainly growing at a rapid rate with our asparagus flying off the shelves."

Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well balanced vegetables available on the market, as well as being hailed as an aphrodisiac, asparagus is low in calories, low in sodium, contains no fat, and is rich in vitamin C, folic acid, iron and potassium.