Brussels sprouts
Though the Brussels sprout is from the same family
as wild cabbage, its origins remain a mystery. It appears to have
developed only a few hundred years ago in Northern Europe, near
Brussels, which explains its name.
The sprouts grow along a stem that can reach one metre in height and carry up to 40 vegetables. They are picked when they reach three centimetres in diameters, which is when they are ripest. Brussels sprouts look like miniature round cabbages.
- Choose small, firm and compact, bright green sprouts with tight outer leaves.
- Small, young cabbages are generally more tender and sweet.
- Choose Brussels sprouts that are the same size for uniform cooking.
- Before cooking, trim ends, remove any wilted leaves and cut a small ?x? in the stem to shorten cooking time.
- To eliminate any worms that might be present, soak Brussels sprouts in lemon or vinegar water for 15 minutes.
- Brussels sprouts can be eaten raw or cooked.
- To cook Brussels sprouts in boiling water, place them in a pot containing one or two centimetres of water and boil for about ten minutes.
- To steam Brussels sprouts, place in a steamer basket and cook for 15 minutes.
- Cook in microwave oven for 4 to 5 minutes (depending on size).
- Overcooking will make Brussels sprouts bitter.
- Serve Brussels sprouts cold with vinaigrette.
- Hot Brussels sprouts can be served au gratin or with roasted almonds.
- Add Brussels sprouts to soups and stews or sauté with other vegetables.
 Vegetables-Macaroni Casserole |
 Pasta with Boursin, Asian style |
 Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Lemon |
Click here and discover all our delicious Brussels sprouts recipes !
Brussels sprouts are available year-round in your METRO supermarket.
Very low in energy, the Brussels sprout is an excellent source of vitamin C, folic acid and potassium. Like other Cruciferae, it has antineoplastic properties.
Brussels sprouts placed in a perforated plastic bag will keep in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator for three to four days. Blanch whole Brussels sprouts for 3 to 4 minutes and freeze.