Brussels sprouts, also known as brussel sprouts, are those cute little green cabbages that make a great side dish, adding variety to any meal. Kids sometimes like them, or at least they’ll try them, because they are quite unique compared to other vegetables. Brussels sprouts are often underrated by many, probably because they weren’t cooked right when they first tried them. These vegetables are not only nutritious but also extremely delicious and are often featured in gourmet dishes.
Characteristics of Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are members of the cabbage family. In appearance, they look like miniature cabbages, but they taste quite different. While cabbage has a bland flavor, Brussels sprouts have a delicate, distinct taste. The flavor becomes milder when the crop is exposed to light frost or snow, which makes them even better.
In the garden, Brussels sprouts are a hardy plant. The sprouts grow on a stem that’s about two to three feet long, with several sprouts growing from the leaf axils along the stem. They develop from the bottom to the top. While they take a long time to grow, they are well worth the wait.
Brussels sprouts are highly nutritious. They are extremely high in vitamin C, which is essential for preventing heart disease, cancer, and stroke, and improving immunity to common illnesses like colds. Brussels sprouts are also a good source of vitamin K, which supports bone health, and they contribute to the circulatory and nervous systems. Additionally, they are a valuable source of folic acid, which is known to prevent birth defects.
Growing Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts grow well throughout the United States, although most commercial growers are in coastal areas of California. They are best planted from late spring to mid-summer so they can take advantage of the fall frost, which improves their flavor, making it milder. If planted too early, and they mature during hot weather, they are likely to be bitter. If you’re growing from seed, start them about five weeks before you intend to transplant them.
The space where you plant Brussels sprouts should not have previously grown members of the cabbage family for at least four years. Otherwise, they will be susceptible to a cabbage-crop-killing disease called clubroot. Other occasional problems include black rot, black leg, downy mildew, and fusarium yellows.
When planting the sprouts in the garden, space them about two to three feet apart in prepared soil. While Brussels sprouts can grow in a variety of soils, optimal growth requires well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
When the plants are about a foot tall, applying nitrogen fertilizer will improve the plants’ stamina and hardiness. When weeding, be careful not to damage the plants’ shallow roots. The crop will need plenty of water during hot weather. Brussels sprouts are ready to be harvested when the buds are about an inch in size and firm. Be sure to cut them off the stem before the leaves turn yellow.
Storing Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts on the stem can be stored in a cool place for several weeks if they haven’t been cut. Once removed from the stem, they can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is the best option. Before freezing, blanch the sprouts in boiling water for three to five minutes, drain them, and rinse with cold water. Then, store them in an airtight freezer-proof container or freezer bags and place them in the freezer.
Cooking Brussels Sprouts
Before cooking Brussels sprouts, wash them well under running water or soak them for about 15 minutes to remove any bugs. Forget the “old timer’s” version of over-boiling them and drenching them in butter. Some people enjoy that style, but it’s likely the reason many people say they don’t like Brussels sprouts.
Brussels sprouts are actually a delicacy in gourmet cooking. They are fantastic sautéed in virgin olive oil with a touch of garlic. They add a touch of class to your potatoes and spring vegetables that are cooked alongside a pot roast. They can also be steamed or stir-fried. There are countless recipes that make Brussels sprouts appealing. Explore the wonderful variations of preparing Brussels sprouts, and they are sure to become one of your favorite vegetables.
