Brussels sprouts (2024)

Brussels sprouts (1)

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This seasonal vegetable is related to cabbage, with a sweet, nutty, sometimes bitter flavour. Discover how to select, store, prepare and cook Brussels sprouts.

What are Brussels sprouts?

The quintessential Christmas dinner veg, Brussels sprouts are thought to have been cultivated in Belgium in the 16th century, hence the name. Although they're related to cabbage (they even look like a miniature, compact version) they have a sweet, nutty flavour that some people find bitter. They grow in multiple rows along a thick central stalk.

How to prepare Brussels sprouts

If the sprouts are still on the stalk, twist each one off, trim away any loose, yellow or damaged leaves and wash, then trim the base. Some people cut a cross in the base to make sure they cook evenly, but with smaller ones it's not necessary, as it can cause them to go mushy. Larger ones can be cut in half.

To boil, put into a pan with some salt, cover with boiling water, bring back to the boil and cook, covered, for 5-10 mins. They take 5-10 mins to steam. A sharp knife should easily go through the base then they are done, but with a little resistance. They should still feel firm to the touch.

To stir-fry, halve or slice finely and cook for about 10 mins. Sprouts cook very quickly, and if overcooked are quite unpleasant as they lose their sweetness, so test them regularly by piercing with a knife.

You can also eat sprouts raw – trim and finely slice them on a mandoline or with a sharp knife and fold through a creamy dressing or mayonnaise to make a winter slaw or salad.

How to cook Brussels sprouts

Stir-fry in oil with onions and ginger; add to cooked chestnuts at Christmas; or boil until al dente (firm to the bite) and quickly pan-fry with diced pancetta and chopped garlic.

Brussels sprouts recipes

Brussels sprouts with hazelnut & orange butter
Smashed sprouts mash with chestnuts
Brussels sprouts with bacon & chestnuts
Charred Brussels sprouts with Marmite butter
Chilli charred Brussels sprouts

Use up Christmas leftovers with our video on how to make turkey bubble & squeak cakes:

See our Christmas sprouts and Brussels sprouts collections for more recipes.

How to store Brussels sprouts

In a dark, cool place or the fridge for up to four days.

When are Brussels sprouts in season?

Brussels sprouts are at their best over the winter months, coming into season in October and lasting through until March.

Choose the best Brussels sprouts

Look for plump, bright-green heads (the smaller, the sweeter) with tightly packed leaves. If you can buy them still attached to their long central stalk, so much the better – they'll keep fresh for longer that way. The sprout tops at the tip of the stalk can also be prepared in a similar way to spring greens.

Alternatives to Brussels sprouts

Try cabbage as an alternative to Brussels sprouts.

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Brussels sprouts (2)

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Brussels sprouts (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to eat Brussels sprouts every day? ›

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.

What's healthier, broccoli or Brussels sprouts? ›

While broccoli may have a higher count of calories, fat, and carbs, it is richer in calcium, iron, and pantothenic acid (a B vitamin that does wonders for healthy hair), and has a bit more potassium. Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, are lower in sodium.

Why are Brussels sprouts so high in calories? ›

Food: Why are brussels sprouts more calorie-dense than most other vegetables? - Quora. Brussels sprouts have more calories than most other vegetables because of its low water content, higher fat content, protein and sugar.

What is the healthiest way to eat Brussels sprouts? ›

Roasting Brussels sprouts caramelizes their natural sugar and mellows out bitter notes, providing rich flavor and a crispier texture. Brussels sprouts are a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K, notes the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

What is one major side effect of eating Brussels sprouts? ›

Like other cruciferous veggies, Brussels sprouts have a type of carbohydrate that your body can't easily break down. This can cause you to have belly pain, gas, and either diarrhea or constipation.

When should you not eat Brussels sprouts? ›

If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).

Are Brussel sprouts a superfood? ›

Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.

Are brussel sprouts healthier raw or cooked? ›

When Brussels sprouts are cooked, they may undergo some nutrient changes. Levels of the antioxidant vitamins E and K increase during cooking, but levels of some water-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin C, decrease.

Why do bodybuilders eat brussel sprouts? ›

The chemical compound sulforaphane in sprouts also reduces cell death, which is crucial to sustaining muscle mass and facilitating fast recovery after a heavy session. A tasty bit of nutritional science, we're sure you'll agree.

Is there such thing as too much brussel sprouts? ›

Although a healthy vegetable, consuming too many Brussels sprouts can be unsuitable for people on anticoagulants since it contains vitamin K, which results in blood clotting. Another issue with consuming Brussels sprouts excessively is that it can lead to gas and bloating.

Why do Brussels sprouts make you gassy? ›

This is because they contain a complex sugar called raffinose. Raffinose is broken down by an enzyme called alpha-galactosidase. Our digestive system doesn't produce a huge amount of this enzyme and when we consume a lot of raffinose, in the form of those delicious balls of goodness, our body has to adapt.

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? ›

With all of these benefits, you may be wondering if it's okay to eat Brussels sprouts every single day. Rifkin's expert opinion is that it's safe to do so, but you also want to make sure you're eating other nutrient-rich foods too.

Why do you soak Brussels sprouts before cooking? ›

The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.

Is it OK to eat sprouts everyday? ›

Do not eat the same sprouts every day. Vary what sprout you are taking to ensure that you are getting variety of nutrients. Sprouts are high in proteins and fibre. This may make it difficult to digest for some people and may cause flatulence,” warns Dr Nakra.

What do Brussels sprouts do for your liver? ›

Cruciferous vegetables

This cruciferous vegetable — along with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and mustard greens — are good for your liver. They are a source of fiber, which supports liver health. Plus, they contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that may help prevent liver cancer.

Which is healthier, cabbage or Brussels sprouts? ›

There are also nutritional differences - cabbage has fewer calories than Brussels sprouts, but also fewer nutrients, with sprouts containing higher concentrations of vitamins A and C, Folic Acid, Potassium, Magnesium and Phosphorus.

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