Brussel Sprouts – So Misunderstood!

Sometimes as strange as it sounds, I think we humans must be born with a gene that makes us turn up our noses at Brussels sprouts. Yes some individuals do outgrow this and develop a ‘Brussels sprout sense’ that over-rides that gene. Some of us develop this earlier than others, some never. Silliness of course, but silliness aside, I remember going to the neighborhood grocery store as a little girl and seeing Brussels sprouts in the short, little produce bin. “Oh look at the baby cabbages!” I so remember saying that. Did we buy them? Of course not! And truthfully, I don’t think they ever surfaced in that store again. Who in their right mind ate Brussels sprouts? Brussels sprouts are a beautiful vegetable that can class up any plate or entrée. Brussels sprouts deserve a chance in your diet. If you don’t think you like them, teach yourself to like them. They are that good for you and that important to your diet. Brussels sprouts offer fantastic health benefits.  A cup of Brussels sprouts has a whopping 56 calories, zero fat, about 12 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fiber. Nutritionally Brussels sprouts are a hit. A cup of Brussels sprouts has 81% of your vitamin C. Yes; I really meant to write 81%! They have 5% of your iron, and about 3% of your calcium. That is all well and good. But it gets better, much, much, better. Sulforaphanes have been studied and shown to help prevent some cancers. Yes, you guessed it: Brussels sprouts have a great deal of sulforaphanes. Don’t boil them, as you will eliminate that health benefit. Roast or sauté to maintain sulforaphanes and other nutrients. Brussels sprouts have low, low, sodium, and no fat. Do not forget that beautiful flavor. No they do not taste like bitter, underdeveloped cabbages. They have a creamy, nutty taste with just a hint of green. Brussels sprouts can be found frozen at your grocery. They can also be found fresh just about year round in your market. Select brussel sprouts that are a bright green and firm with tightly closed leaves. Brussels sprouts should be free of spots and yellow stems.  If you are a gardener Brussels sprouts are an easy to grow, cool weather crop. The harvest can go on and on, even after the first light frost. Check out the posted recipe for Everybody’s Brussels Sprouts for a delicious side that is quick, easy, and healthy. Don’t prejudge your Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts offer a big bang for your buck: flavor, eye appeal, low calories, and high nutrients!