Brussels sprouts larger than the size of golf balls are going on sale at British Morrisons stores in the run-up to Christmas. 

The huge brassicas are the biggest for more than ten years, having grown around 20% larger than usual.

They measure approximately 40 millimeters (1.57 inches) wide and 45 millimeters (1.77 inches) long, with each sprout weighing in at around 35g (1.2oz), compared to a normal 15g (0.5oz).

The retailer says the sprouts - a U.K. favorite during the festive season - are so big the average child will not be able to eat them in one mouthful and they will take slightly longer than usual to cook.

The substantial size is due to milder weather and good growing conditions throughout the British summer and fall, where average temperatures have been 15°C (59°F) during November, causing the vegetable to reach maturity earlier and grow even bigger.

Morrisons sprout grower, John Clappison, says the vegetables have a sweet and mild taste, with a vivid green color and tightly packed leaves for a crunchy texture.

"Our sprout plants have loved the warm weather. The higher temperatures have made them shoot up and produce the biggest most succulent sprouts that we’ve seen in 10 years," he says in a release.

Morrisons is expecting 1,000 metric tons (MT) of monster sprouts to be sold over the winter period, with availability expected to last until next March.

Morrisons only source British grown sprouts and say 82,000MT of Brussels sprouts are grown in the U.K. every year.

www.freshfruitportal.com