The warm weather has caused an early crop of a range of fruit and vegetables, including one which is considered a superfood, aubergines. Britain is also enjoying an early harvest for strawberries and tomatoes thanks to the dry, warm weather.
It is likely to be one of the warmest starts to May on record with highs of 29.3C being recorded. Growers say the unseasonal conditions have eliminated the 'hungry gap.'
Nick Haigh, a grower at the Community Farm near Bristol, told the Guardian how many Mediterranean vegetables had come weeks earlier than expected.
He said: "It feels like it's the middle of May already. We have load and loads of crops right now, tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers, peppers, they are all ready two or three weeks early.
"We are crazy busy already. A few months ago we thought it would be the worst hungry gap ever. Now we are saying there is not going to be a hungry gap.
"We got really poor harvests last year. Last year was awful. It was completely wet."
He added that growers are now waiting for rain after the current warm spell.
Why are aubergines considered a superfood?
According to Healthline, aubergines - which are technically a fruit rather than a vegetable - are high in antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage.
They are also rich in nutrients, proving a good source of vitamins like B1, B6 and K along with folate and copper.
Some studies also suggest that aubergines may help improve blood sugar levels which could be beneficially for people living with diabetes.
What are the health benefits of aubergines?
The BBC says some animal studies suggest including aubergines in your diet may help lower the so-called 'bad' cholesterol. This is due to its high fibre content and antioxidant properties.
However, more research is needed to see if this might be relevant for a human diet.
Aubergines may also include several properties that could help fight cancer cells. The National Cancer Institute says a diet rich in plant foods has been associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the mouth, stomach and lungs.
Some evidence also suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.
More research is needed to determine how the compounds found in aubergines specifically affect cancers in humans.
Are there any other health benefits associated with aubergines?
Including aubergines in your diet can help people to manage their weight.
The food is high in fibre and low in calories. Fibre moves through the digestive tract slowly and can promote fullness, which helps in reducing calorie intake.
Aubergines are often used as a high-fibre, low-calories replacement for high-calorie ingredients in recipes.
For more information on eating a balanced diet, visit the NHS website here.
