Seasons/Availability
Available year round, Brussels Sprouts have a peak season September to mid-February.
Current Facts
Brussels sprouts at one time were rarely seen outside protected coastal gardens and usually harvested in fall and winter. Today, however, there are widely adapted fast-growing hybrids available year round.
Description/Taste
Small, compact and bright green, Brussels sprouts resemble tiny cabbages. Offering a unique taste all of their own, the smaller, the better the flavor. This little round vegetable offers a nutty sweet flavor.
Nutritional Value
Offering a decent amount of potassium, Brussels sprouts provide dietary fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, iron, carbohydrates, and some calcium. A serving of four Brussels sprouts has about 40 calories.
Applications
To prepare, remove any damaged outer leaves; trim stem end; cut an "X" about one-sixteenth of an inch into the stem end for faster cooking. Microwave, steam or boil. Microwave in a small of water in a covered dish about seven minutes on High or until just tender. If steaming is preferred, cook ten to twelve minutes. Boiling takes a few minutes more. Do not overcook. Season as desired. To store, remove yellow or loose leaves; place unwashed sprouts in a plastic bag; refrigerate. Although they will keep four to five days, their flavor gets continually stronger.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Vilmorin-Andrieux in his "The Vegetable Garden" (1885) wrote that the Belgians preferred the smaller-sized sprouts while the French liked them "as big as a good-sized walnut".
Geography/History
Just as the name suggests, this vegetable was first cultivated near Brussels, Belgium, around the fourteenth century. Originating from kale-like forms of wild cabbage, Brussels sprouts weren't successful in winning the favor of English or American gardeners until the early 1800s. Today this member of the cabbage family grows in several regions of the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Featured Recipes
Recipes that include Brussels Sprouts. One
is easiest, three is harder.
