Brussels sprout

This article is about the plant. For the pencil game, see Sprouts (game) § Brussels.
Brussels

Brussels sprouts (cultivar unknown)
Species Brassica oleracea
Cultivar group Gemmifera Group
Origin Low Countries
(year unknown)
Brussels sprouts, raw
(edible parts)
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 179 kJ (43 kcal)
8.95 g
Sugars 2.2 g
Dietary fibre 3.8 g
0.3 g
3.48 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A equiv.
(5%)

38 μg

(4%)
450 μg
1590 μg
Thiamine (B1)
(12%)

0.139 mg

Riboflavin (B2)
(8%)

0.09 mg

Niacin (B3)
(5%)

0.745 mg

Pantothenic acid (B5)
(6%)

0.309 mg

Vitamin B6
(17%)

0.219 mg

Folate (B9)
(15%)

61 μg

Choline
(4%)

19.1 mg

Vitamin C
(102%)

85 mg

Vitamin E
(6%)

0.88 mg

Vitamin K
(169%)

177 μg

Minerals
Calcium
(4%)

42 mg

Iron
(11%)

1.4 mg

Magnesium
(6%)

23 mg

Manganese
(16%)

0.337 mg

Phosphorus
(10%)

69 mg

Potassium
(8%)

389 mg

Sodium
(2%)

25 mg

Zinc
(4%)

0.42 mg

Other constituents
Water 86 g
approx. 5-10 sprouts per 100 g
Link to USDA Database entry
Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient Database

The Brussels sprout is a member of the Gemmifera Group of cabbages (Brassica oleracea), grown for its edible buds.

The leafy green vegetables are typically 2.5–4 cm (0.98–1.6 in) in diameter and look like miniature cabbages. The Brussels sprout has long been popular in Brussels, Belgium, and may have originated and gained its name there.[1]

Etymology

Although native to the Mediterranean region with other cabbage species, Brussels sprouts first appeared in northern Europe during the fifth century, later being cultivated in the thirteenth century near Brussels from which they derived their name.[1] A commonly used alternate term is brussel sprout.[2]

Cultivation

Forerunners to modern Brussels sprouts were likely cultivated in Ancient Rome. Brussels sprouts as they are now known were grown possibly as early as the 13th century in what is now Belgium.[3] The first written reference dates to 1587.[3] During the 16th century, they enjoyed a popularity in the southern Netherlands that eventually spread throughout the cooler parts of Northern Europe.

Brussels sprouts grow in temperature ranges of 7–24 °C (45–75 °F), with highest yields at 15–18 °C (59–64 °F).[4] Fields are ready for harvest 90 to 180 days after planting.[3] The edible sprouts grow like buds in helical patterns along the side of long, thick stalks of about 60 to 120 cm (24 to 47 in) in height, maturing over several weeks from the lower to the upper part of the stalk. Sprouts may be picked by hand into baskets, in which case several harvests are made of five to 15 sprouts at a time, or by cutting the entire stalk at once for processing, or by mechanical harvester, depending on variety.[3] Each stalk can produce 1.1 to 1.4 kg (2.4 to 3.1 lb), although the commercial yield is about 900 g (2.0 lb) per stalk.[4] Harvest season in temperate zones of the northern latitudes is September to March, making Brussels sprout a traditional winter stock vegetable. In the home garden, harvest can be delayed as quality does not suffer from freezing. Sprouts are considered to be sweetest after a frost.[5]

Brussels sprouts are a cultivar group of the same species as cabbage, in the same family as collard greens, broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi; they are cruciferous (they belong to the Brassicaceae family; old name Cruciferae). Many cultivars are available, some being purple in colour, such as 'Ruby Crunch' or 'Red Bull'.[6]

Europe

In Continental Europe, the largest producers are the Netherlands, at 82,000 metric tons, and Germany, at 10,000 tons. The United Kingdom has production comparable to that of the Netherlands, but it is not generally exported.[7]

North America

Production of Brussels sprouts in the United States began in the 18th century, when French settlers brought them to Louisiana.[4] The first plantings in California's Central Coast began in the 1920s, with significant production beginning in the 1940s. Currently, several thousand acres are planted in coastal areas of San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties of California, which offer an ideal combination of coastal fog and cool temperatures year-round. The harvest season lasts from June through January.[3][8]

Most American production is in California,[9] with a smaller percentage of the crop grown in Skagit Valley, Washington, where cool springs, mild summers, and rich soil abounds, and to a lesser degree on Long Island, New York.[10] Total American production is approximately 32,000 tons, with a value of $27 million.[4]

About 80% to 85% of US production is for the frozen food market, with the remainder for fresh consumption.[10] Once harvested, sprouts last three to five weeks under ideal near-freezing conditions before wilting and discolouring, and about half as long at refrigerator temperature.[4] American varieties are generally 2.5–5 cm (0.98–1.97 in) in diameter.[4]

Ontario, Canada, produces about 1,000 tons per year.[11]

They are also grown in Baja California, Mexico, where the harvest season is from December through June.[8]

Nutrients, phytochemicals and research

Raw Brussels sprouts contain excellent levels of vitamin C and vitamin K, with more moderate amounts of B vitamins, such as folic acid and vitamin B6 (USDA nutrient table, right); essential minerals and dietary fibre exist in lesser amounts (table).

Brussels sprouts, as with broccoli and other brassicas, contain sulforaphane, a phytochemical under basic research for its potential anticancer properties. Although boiling reduces the level of sulforaphane, steaming and stir frying do not result in significant loss.[12]

Consuming Brussels sprouts in excess may not be suitable for patients taking anticoagulants such as warfarin since they contain vitamin K, a blood-clotting factor. In one such reported incident, eating too many Brussels sprouts may have countered blood-thinning therapy.[13]

Cooking and preparation

The most common method of preparing Brussels sprouts for cooking begins with cutting the buds off the stalk. Any surplus stem is cut away, and any loose surface leaves are peeled and discarded. Once cut and cleaned, the buds are typically cooked by boiling, steaming, stir frying, grilling, or roasting. To ensure even cooking throughout, buds of a similar size are usually chosen. Some cooks will make a single cut or a cross in the center of the stem to aid the penetration of heat. Brussels sprouts can be pickled as an alternative to cooking.

Overcooking will render the buds gray and soft, and they then develop a strong flavour and odour that some dislike.[9] The odour is associated with the glucosinolate sinigrin, an organic compound that contains sulfur: hence the strong smell. For taste, roasting Brussels sprouts is a common way to cook them to bring out flavour.[14] Common toppings or additions for Brussels sprouts include Parmesan cheese and butter, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, bacon, pistachios, pine nuts, mustard, brown sugar, and pepper. Another popular way of cooking Brussels sprouts is to sauté them.

References

  1. 1 2 Oliver, Lynne (2011-04-11). "Food Timeline: Brussels sprouts". Retrieved 2012-04-09.
  2. ↑ "Brussels sprout". New World Encyclopedia. 6 July 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Brussels sprouts info". Pfyffer Associates. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Brussel Sprouts". University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Archived from the original on September 13, 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
  5. ↑ Crockett, James Underwood (1977). Crockett's Victory Garden. Boston: Little, Brown and Company. p. 187. ISBN 0-316-16120-9.
  6. ↑ "Brussels Sprout Seeds". Marshalls Seeds. Retrieved 2015-02-25.
  7. ↑ Illert, S. "The Small Market Study: Brussels Sprouts". SMP
  8. 1 2 "Where Brussels Sprouts are Growing Today". Ocean Mist Farms. Archived from the original on July 4, 2008. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
  9. 1 2 Zeldes, Leah A (2011-03-09). "Eat this! Brussels sprouts, baby cabbages for St. Patrick's Day". Dining Chicago. Chicago's Restaurant & Entertainment Guide, Inc. Retrieved 2011-06-30.
  10. 1 2 "Crop Profile for Brussels Sprouts in California". United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
  11. ↑ Siva Mailvaganam (2004-08-03). "Area, Production and Farm Value of Specified Commercial Vegetable Crops, Ontario, 1998–2001". Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs. Archived from the original on 2007-08-18. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
  12. ↑ Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick (2007-05-15). "Research Says Boiling Broccoli Ruins Its Anti Cancer Properties.".
  13. ↑ "Another reason not to eat sprouts: Overdose lands Scotsman in hospital". Daily Mail. London. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2012.
  14. ↑ "Abernethy Elementary chef taking her lessons to White House". The Oregonian. 2010-06-01.
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