Brussels Sprouts

Vegetable

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are miniature axillary cabbage buds of Brassica oleracea grown along a tall stalk. Raw they are dense, cabbagey, and bitter; high-heat roasting, searing, or shredding for slaws turns them nutty and caramelised. Cross-cut bases help even cooking. Modern cookery favours halved roast sprouts with bacon, balsamic, chilli, or maple; older northern European habits boiled them plain—often too long. Choose tight, bright green heads; stalk-on bunches stay fresher longer than loose buds.

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Unit

Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

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Characteristics

Preparations

BlanchedBoiledChilledChoppedDicedDriedFermentedFreshFrozenGrilledHalvedJulienneMincedPeeledPickledQuarteredRoastedSaltedShreddedSlicedSmokedSteamedWhole

Provenance

BiodynamicExport CertifiedFair TradeFarm AssuredHeirloomLocally GrownNon-GMOOrganicPesticide FreeRegenerativeSeasonalSingle Origin

Sources

GreenhouseHydroponicIndoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

BitterEarthyFirmGreenNuttySweet

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 34.9

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 0.3 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.06 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 0.06 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 0.18 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sodium 20.2 mg
  • Salt 0.05 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 6.14 g
  • Dietary Fibre 2.45 g
  • Total Sugars 3.15 g
  • Complex / starch 2.12 g
  • Protein 1.91 g
  • Water 89.2 g
Detailed nutrients

Most vegetables are high-water, low-energy, with fibre and potassium ahead of protein.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Brussels Sprouts.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

BE

Sprout-forming cabbages were cultivated in the Low Countries around Brussels.

GB

British kitchen gardens and Christmas tables made sprouts a winter staple.

US

Commercial production expanded in California and the US Northeast.

Charred and roasted preparations rehabilitated sprouts after decades of overboiling.

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