sprouts
  • vegetables
  • vegetables
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Sprouts

Nothing divides the nation more than Brussels Sprouts – you either love ‘em or hate ‘em!

Most people who don’t like sprouts have been put off for life by memories of the soggy, overcooked sprouts of their childhood. But if you haven’t eaten them in a while, give sprouts another chance as modern varieties are a lot less bitter.

Often thought of as a Christmas vegetable because they were traditionally available through the cold winter months, sprouts are now available almost year-round thanks to modern growing techniques and varieties.

The most important thing to remember is not to cook the sprouts for too long – 7-8 minutes and no more! Overcooking sprouts makes them release their bitter tasting compounds and sulphur-like smells which is what most people find off-putting.

Sprouts are a rich source of Vitamin C and folic acid. One 80g serving of cooked sprouts provides you with 80% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C – four times the amount of vitamin C than an orange, and 44% of your RDA of folic acid.

Flower Sprout®

A new vegetable which is half Brussels sprout and half kale, and has a milder, sweeter flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are British Brussels sprouts in season?

Brussels sprouts are in season from August to April. Often thought of as a Christmas vegetable, they are now available almost year-round thanks to modern growing techniques and varieties.

How do you cook Brussels sprouts so they aren’t bitter?

The key is not to overcook them. Steam or boil for up to 7-8 minutes and no more. Overcooking makes sprouts release bitter-tasting compounds and sulphur-like smells. You can also shred them into stir fries, sauté in butter, or eat them raw.

Are Brussels sprouts good for you?

Yes. Sprouts are a rich source of vitamin C and folic acid. One 80g serving of cooked sprouts provides 80% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C – four times the amount in an orange – and 44% of your RDA of folic acid.

How do you buy and store Brussels sprouts?

You can buy sprouts loose, in nets, on the stalk, or ready prepared. Buying them on the stalk keeps them fresher for longer – stand the stalk in water and pick what you need. Loose or bagged sprouts should be stored in the fridge.

What goes well with Brussels sprouts?

Brussels sprouts love bacon, chestnuts, lemon, almonds, nutmeg, cream and garlic.

What is a Flower Sprout?

The Flower Sprout is a newer vegetable that is half Brussels sprout and half kale, with a milder, sweeter flavour.


Aaron Craze’s sprout kebabs
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Brussels sprout and cranberry salad
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Brussels Sprout and Chopin Potato Croquettes
Brussels sprout and potato croquettes
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Creamed Brussel sprouts
Creamed Brussels sprouts with nutmeg
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Stir Fried Sprouts
Stir fried Brussels sprouts with lemon and chilli
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Chopin Potato
Potato and Brussels sprout crush
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Crunchy sprout salad
Crunchy sprout salad with pumpkin seeds and balsamic vinegar
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Brussels Sprouts with Hazelnuts, Potatoes and Ham
Brussels sprouts with hazelnuts, potatoes and ham, served with sourdough toasted bread
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BUYING AND STORING

You can buy sprouts either loose, in nets or on the stalk, or even fully prepared for convenience. Buying sprouts on the stalk keeps them fresher for longer – stand the stalk in water to keep them really fresh, and just pick what you need. Loose or bagged sprouts should be stored in the fridge.

HOW TO COOK

Steam or boil for up to 8 minutes; add shredded sprouts to stir fries; or steam for a minute then toss in butter and sauté until cooked. Can also be eaten raw.

Brussel Sprouts LOVES

Bacon, chestnuts, lemon, almonds, nutmeg, cream, garlic

IN SEASON

August - April
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