Updated on Thursday, June 26, 2008, 00:00 IST

London, June 26: Traditional Indian vegetables are being grown extensively across Britain and being imported in large quantities as supermarkets cater to high demand for a range of exotic varieties.

The Indian vegetables being stocked by supermarket major Tesco in 700 of its stores across Britain include 'mooli' (radish), 'bhindi' (okra) and 'dudhi' (calabash).

The prominent retail chain has doubled its range of world food produce, and now offers 50 varieties of exotic fruits and vegetables.

Experts say the current demand is driven by the presence in Britain of large communities with origins in the Indian sub-continent and frequent visits by British tourists to India and other countries where they develop a taste for exotic vegetables.

Bureau Report