About Brussels Sprouts

• No prizes for guessing that sprouts originated in Belgium!
• A hardy, long-season vegetable of the cabbage family, sprouts are actually leaves that form small heads along the plant’s tall stem
• They are usually picked in autumn - one of the few vegetables that improve with cooler temperatures
• A great source of vitamin C in the winter

Selecting

Choose firm, bright-green sprouts with compact heads. Avoid sprouts that are too large or have an odor.

Storing

Store unwashed Brussels sprouts in your refrigerator vegetable drawer, away from fruit, for 2 or 3 days.

Eating

Peel off loose leaves, trim stem ends and wash under running water. Cut a shallow X across the stem base; it will help the sprout cook quickly and evenly.

Tender-crisp Brussels sprouts are a delicious accompaniment. Just boil (covered) in salted water for approximately 5 minutes or steam for 8 to 10 minutes.

 Availability

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Growing regions

Temperate Europe: mainly Britain, the Netherlands and France.