Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts make for an interesting and healthy side dish, salad, or entrée ingredient. Cooked properly, just beyond their raw stage, the sprouts have a bright green exterior that adds welcome color to winter menus, and their hearty texture lends well to a variety of preparations. Look for this cool-season crop all winter long at grocers and farmers’ markets.

 season: 

Mid-fall through early- to mid-winter is peak harvest in the Garden State.

 at the market: 

Look for firm, compact, bright green sprout heads that are free of wilt, yellowing, and spots. Buy them still on the stalk whenever possible.

 grow: 

Considered a cool-season crop. Approximately four months before first frost, sow seeds about ½ inch deep, 2–3 inches apart, in fertile rich soil. When seedlings reach about 6 inches in height, thin or transplant to 12–24 inches apart. Plants will grow to 2 or 3 feet in height and may require staking. Keep cool and well-watered in summer. Flavor improves after a light frost or two.

 plant: 

Plant matures from bottom of stalk upwards. Harvest sprouts from the bottom when they reach about 1 inch in diameter. Or, after moderate frost, remove leaves and pull up entire stalk, including roots. Hang stalks upside down in cool, dry place for approximately one month.

 store: 

Wrap and store fresh-picked sprouts for up to seven days in refrigerator. Sprouts still on stalk will last for more than a week. Do not wash until immediately before use.

WHAT'S IN THE NAME?

Yes, Brussels sprouts are named for Brussels, Belgium. Although grown in the area now known as the capital of Belgium as early as the 13th century, it was not until the 16th century that Brussels sprouts were cultivated and gained in popularity throughout the southern Netherlands and Northern Europe.

Plate of brassica oleraceae, by James Sowerby; published in English Botany, vol. 9, London, 1852.

FAMILY TIES

Brussels sprouts are part of the Brassica oleracea species, the cultivated variety of wild cabbages that includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, and other crops known for their edible buds.

According to Guinness World Records, the world’s tallest Brussels sprout plant measured

9 feet 3inches.

It was reported growing in the garden of Patrice and Steve Allison of Newport Beach, CA, on November 17, 2000.