SOME of the finest food experts in Britain have been putting Worcestershire asparagus to the taste test.

Asparagus - known for its alleged qualities as an aphrodisiac - grows particularly well in the loamy soil and temperate climate of Worcestershire and is harvested between April and June.

Buyers from the supermarket giant Waitrose took part in a tasting session organised by the Western Asparagus Growers, which consists of a team of 12 people from the area.

The session was held at Dingle Farm, Little Witley, the home of one of the growers, Richard Colwill.

"As well as marketing our goods, the Western Asparagus Growers are also concerned with customer satisfaction," he said.

"We were eager for Waitrose buyers to try some of the varieties of asparagus we think may have a future."