Potato tops poll to be UKs national veg

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title.

The AXA PPP healthcare data also found poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots:

A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK.

2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles.

Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries.

Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn't know how they grew, citing 'in water' and 'on trees' instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient.

Nutritionist Sarah Schenker said: "One of the most important things people can do for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend."

Words: Clare Riley

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