The much maligned Brussels sprout has a reputation for both a sulphurous after-taste and noxiously whiffy after effects, but how much of this is down to a combination of poor cooking and hype? Here we separate fact from fiction with a fun look at this controversial Christmas veg. Browse our range of Brussels sprouts plants while digesting everything you’ll ever need to know about these little, vitamin-packed Belgian bullets.
What are sprouts?
Sprouts are a domesticated version of the wild cabbages that grow in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. They’ve been around for a very long time indeed, and were used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of bowel problems as long ago as 3000BC. It turns out that the Chinese really were onto something – sprouts are a source of prebiotic fibre which is essential for nourishing the colonies of helpful bacteria that live in our colons.
Brussels sprouts are also a great source of vitamins K and C, as well as alpha-linolenic acid (an Omega-3 fatty acid). They were considered so healthy that, along with oranges and lemons, Captain Cook fed them to his crew to help prevent them from developing a vitamin C deficiency –scurvy.
Why are sprouts named after the Belgian city?
Brussels sprouts take their name from the Belgian capital because they have been cultivated in the surrounding area since at least the 13th century. During the 16th century, they became popular throughout the whole of the Southern Netherlands – the area comprising modern day Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and parts of Germany.
These days, it’s the Netherlands that accounts for the greatest production of Brussels sprouts. In 2020, the Dutch exported 33.2% of the world’s sprouts worth a total of US$72.5 million. In second place was Mexico ($68.4 million), and the USA ($31.8 million). Belgium came in fourth place with total exports worth US$14.3 million.
Why do sprouts taste so disgusting?
Sprouts taste bitter, but not to everyone. According to BBC Science Focus Magazine: “A 2011 study by Cornwall College found that sprouts contain a chemical, similar to phenylthiocarbamide, which only tastes bitter to people who have a variation of a certain gene. The research found that around 50 per cent of the world’s population have a mutation on this gene.”
Speaking of Cornwall, the ancient town of Penryn near Falmouth celebrates a very strange autumn festival called the ‘Mock Mayor’, in which local residents put themselves forward for election to the position of ‘mock mayor’ for a day. The sham mayor’s job is to ‘mock’ the town’s real mayor, perhaps to stop him or her from becoming too big headed. The connection with sprouts? For some reason, local residents parade through the town wearing hats made of cabbage leaves and throwing Brussels sprouts at one another and the mock mayor contenders.
What’s the best way to cook sprouts?
If your experience of sprouts is limited to the sulphurous sludge your gran boiled to death and served up on Christmas day, you haven’t really tasted Brussels sprouts properly. In fact, cooked the right way, a few sprouts can taste very nice indeed. One of the simplest ways to get the best from these brassica bullets, is to roast them along with carrots, parsnips, and garlic.
Alternatively, boil them in a large pan in just an inch or so of water for no more than 3-5 minutes and serve with a generous knob of fresh salted butter and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
Do sprouts really give you wind?
In a word, yes. All that prebiotic goodness helps your good bacteria to thrive but gas is a byproduct, especially if you’re not used to eating your leafy greens. If you don’t want to embarrass yourself at the festive meal table, get into training early. Gradually increase your intake of cruciferous veg so that by the time the big day comes around, your gut bugs are primed to efficiently and noiselessly dispose of your Brussels sprouts. Either that, or blame it on the dog.
We hope you now feel you know your Brussels sprouts a little better. They really are a delicious and nutritious little brassica, and quite easy to grow too. Check out our range of Brussels sprouts seeds for traditional favourites as well as unusual red varieties and flowery kalettes.
Lead image: Brussels sprouts ‘Crispus’ from Suttons
FAQs
The precursors to modern Brussels sprouts were grown in Ancient Rome, but the sprouts we're familiar with were first cultivated back in the 13th century, in what is now Belgium. It is thought that the vegetable is named after the Belgian capital, where they became a popular crop in the 16th century.
What is an interesting fact about Brussels? ›
As the seat of the EU, Brussels is known as the “capital of Europe,” and its significance as a centre of international governance and business makes Brussels a true global city—a status shared with such metropolises as New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo. Area Brussels-Capital Region, 62 square miles (161 square km).
What's special about brussel sprouts? ›
Eating a lot of Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate. Crunchy veggies like Brussels sprouts may also help you stave off other health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.
Are brussel sprouts a vegetable or a fruit? ›
Brussels sprouts are in the same family as broccoli, cauliflower, and Bok choy. Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable.
Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? ›
Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? Go for it. “If you enjoy sprouts and can tolerate them, absolutely! They're lower in calories and contain a myriad of important nutrients” says Snyder.
Which country eats the most Brussels sprouts? ›
Containing more vitamin C than an orange and with just eighty calories in a half pound, Britons eat more of them than any other European country, around 40,000 tonnes a year — and yes, we do eat them all year round.
What makes Brussels special? ›
Brussels is Belgium's quintessential capital city, full of Art Deco taverns, unique Flemish art, towering Gothic cathedrals, and quaint guild houses.
Why is Brussels so famous? ›
The Political Heart of Europe
Even though the European Union has no official capital, Brussels has always been considered its de facto capital. This is because Brussels is home to the seats of the European Commission, the European Council, the Council of the European Union, and the European Parliament.
What is so great about Brussels? ›
Brussels is most well-known for being the 'chocolate capital of the world'. The city is bursting with shops full of Belgian chocolate delights. It is also famous for being the centre of European politics with many debates and conferences around EU partnerships taking place in the city.
What are the primary facts brussel sprouts? ›
Brussels sprouts are very healthy
Sprouts, which are a member of the Brassicaceae family and are related to veggies such as cauliflower, kale, and collard greens, are loaded full of nutrients including vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, and minerals such as manganese and iron, along with antioxidants.
How Did Brussels Sprouts Get Their Name? Brussels sprouts are named after the capital city of Belgium — they were cultivated in the country in the 16th century. Knowing this fact can help you remember that it's Brussels sprouts, not Brussel sprouts, and it's Brussels sprout even if you're only referring to one sprout.
Can you eat Brussels sprouts raw? ›
Brussels sprouts are a nutritious vegetable in the cruciferous family. While they're often enjoyed cooked using methods like roasting, steaming, or boiling, you can also enjoy Brussels sprouts raw. The most common side effect of eating raw Brussels sprouts is that they may cause gas in some people.
Is brussel sprouts brain food? ›
Researchers say this is because the glucosinolates help protect against inflammation, which can lead to chronic diseases and tumor growth. This means that regularly eating Brussels sprouts — along with other glucosinolate-containing foods like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower — is good for your brain.
Are Brussel sprouts a superfood? ›
Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. They may also come with added health benefits, including decreased inflammation and improved immune system health.
Are brussel sprouts male or female? ›
The flowers of the Brassica oleracea species are hermaphrodite which means that they have both male and female organs. Most of them are self-sterile: the pollen from the flowers of one plant can only fertilize another plant.
How long do Brussel sprouts live? ›
Brussels sprouts do not come back every year, but they are actually biennial, meaning their natural life cycle is two years. If you live in a zone where temperatures do not drop below about 15° F (-10°C) you might just be able to enjoy fresh sprouts for two years from the same plant.
How many Brussels sprouts from 1 plant? ›
Harvest and storage
As the leaves begin to turn a little yellow, break them off, leaving about a 2-inch stalk. This will give the sprouts more room to develop. Harvest brussels sprouts when the heads are firm and 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Each plant yields between 60 and 100 sprouts.
Why is it Brussels sprouts and not Brussel sprouts? ›
These tiny cabbage-like vegetables are named after the Belgian city of Brussels, which has an “S” on the end. The correct spelling is “Brussels sprout.” BUY THE BOOK!
