Waitrose announces rare British vegetable will be available year-round in UK supermarket first

The retailer has teamed up with British growers Westlands to make it happen as part of their push to back homegrown produce and local farmers.

Fresh prepared produce buyer at Waitrose, Tracey May, said: "Traditionally, British samphire has been a fleeting summer delicacy with just a 12-week window.

"We know how much our customers value British produce, so we're thrilled to break that barrier. By becoming the first retailer to offer this, we're delivering that premium, peak-season British quality to our shelves all year round."

Westlands has become the first UK producer to cultivate samphire year-round using advanced hydroponic systems and glasshouse engineering that recreate those perfect seaside conditions.

Produce technical manager at Waitrose, Hannah Stewart, said: "By using innovative, sustainable glasshouse engineering, our growers can recreate the exact coastal conditions samphire needs to thrive all year round.

"The secret is hydroponics - a soil-free method that allows us to extend the season well beyond summer. By using LED lighting to replicate sunshine and adjusting the saline solution, we can precisely control the salt levels to achieve the perfect taste and texture.

"It's a massive UK first, ensuring a reliable, continuous supply of that signature salty-sweet crunch, even in the depths of January."

By growing samphire domestically, Westlands is slashing carbon emissions that would normally come from importing the vegetable from overseas. It has also installed a solar farm on its packhouse roof and uses a combined heat pump to power those LED lights.

Samphire has come a long way from being a niche ingredient beloved by professional chefs, as more and more British homes purchase it.

The surge in popularity is being driven by people's love of rich, umami flavours and a growing interest in restaurant-quality cooking at home.

Senior development chef at Waitrose, Paul Gamble, said: "Our obsession with rich, umami flavours is huge right now, and sea vegetables are right at the centre of that. Samphire has evolved from a niche foodie secret to an absolute staple on the British dinner table.

"It's incredibly versatile - beyond fresh fish and seafood, it adds a brilliant, vibrant pop to summery salads and pasta dishes. I love popping it on the barbecue for a smoky edge - simply toss in oil, black pepper and cook in a heatproof pan until tender, then finish with lemon juice."

Lead nutritionist at Waitrose, Dr Joanne Lunn, added: "Samphire is a great source of calcium and fibre - which are vital for a healthy metabolism. Because it's naturally rich in coastal minerals, it's a brilliant way to add intense flavour and texture to your plate without having to reach for the salt shaker."