'Top Of The Crops!' Carrot Tops Veg Table

These are the top findings of a MORI poll (1)commissioned by the National Trust to coincide with the charity's 'Plot to Plate' theme at this year's Chelsea Flower Show. And yes, you've guessed it, the brussel sprout got the thumbs down as the nation's least favourite vegetable, although it is mainly the young who dislike them.

The full results of the MORI poll were announced today (20 May) as the National Trust revealed its 'edible' vegetable stand, which aims to highlight the need to save historic vegetable varieties and revive public interest in fresh, local produce.

Research shows that around 2,000 cultivated varieties of vegetable, once commonly grown in this country, have disappeared since the 1970s (2). Organisations such as the National Trust and the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA) are working towards reversing this trend. (3)

The MORI poll revealed that three quarters of the British public (77 per cent) buy most of their fruit and vegetables in supermarkets. The appeal of shopping in supermarkets is driven by convenience, particularly among car owners who have access to free parking.

However, three in five people say that they are concerned about the environmental impact of transporting food long distances. Predictably, those most concerned buy more vegetable produce from farmers markets, directly from farms or grow or pick their own vegetables. 42% of people purchasing fruit and vegetables from local producers or markets do so because they believe the produce is fresher.

'Traditional' British vegetables such as cabbage and brussel sprouts are more popular among older generations, with one in fifteen people over the age of 55 naming cabbage as their favourite vegetable. The younger generation of 15 to 34 year olds named the carrot as their favourite vegetable, they are also more definite in their tastes with fewer naming a least favourite vegetable.

Technical details

1. Results of a survey among the general British population, conducted by MORI on behalf of the National Trust between 21-26 February 2002. A nationally representative quota sample of 2,031 adults (aged 15 and over) was interviewed throughout Great Britain by MORI in 189 different sampling points.
2. Source on the estimated loss of vegetable varieties from the Henry Doubleday Research Association based on the cumulative deletions from the UK National Seed List from the mid 1970s to the present day. For more press information contact Jackie Gear, 024-7630 8239. For public enquiries, telephone 024-7630 3517. Website: www.hdra.org.uk
3. The National Trust cares for over 25 working and ornamental kitchen gardens throughout the country and has a policy of reintroducing and conserving regional and traditional varieties of vegetables and fruit where possible and appropriate.