Brussels Sprouts

Estimated Inventory, 20 lbs : 62.51
This item was last sold on : 05/15/25

• 147 Featured Restaurants

• View where this article is trending worldwide

• See Recipes

• Learn More

• Questions & Feedback

Description/Taste

Brussel sprouts grow on upright, thick, and fibrous green stalks with a cylindrical nature. The buds are often nestled between the leafy branches and grow directly from the stalk, giving the plant a distinct, knobby appearance. Each sprout averages 1.5 to 4 centimeters in diameter and has an oval to round, curved, compact shape with slight tapering toward the stem end. The sprouts are comprised of layers of tightly packed leaves, forming a dense bud with little to no air pockets. The outer leaves range in color from light green to dark green with a white base and have a smooth and pliable consistency. The interior leaves vary in pale yellow, white, to pale green hues. Raw Brussels sprouts have a crisp, crunchy, and firm texture and should be fresh, tight, and springy when selected for culinary use. The sprouts can be eaten raw and have an earthy, vegetal, subtly sweet, and slightly bitter taste. When cooked, the sprouts develop mellow, savory, sweet, and nutty undertones.

Seasons/Availability

Brussels sprouts are available year-round, with a peak season in the fall through early spring

Current Facts

Brussels sprouts, botanically classified as Brassica oleracea, are the edible buds of a biennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The sprouts grow along upright, sturdy stems, reaching 60 to 90 centimeters in height, and are defined as a type of axillary bud, forming where the leaf meets the stalk. Throughout history, Brussels sprouts have acquired several polarizing reputations, from being unfavored and avoided to being enjoyed and savored. The sprouts received their Brussels moniker in the 18th century after the Brussels-Capital region in Belgium, where the plants were first commercially cultivated. One Brussels sprout plant can produce as many as 100 sprouts in a single season, and the harvest period lasts from 6 to 8 weeks. Brussels sprouts are ready for harvest approximately 90 to 180 days after planting, and the sprouts are often picked by hand, or the entire stalk is cut for culinary use. The sprouts are commercially produced worldwide and grown in home gardens for fresh and cooked preparations. It is important to note that while there are many cultivars of Brussels sprouts, including varieties such as Rowena, Valiant, Rampart, Oliver, and Content, Brussels sprouts are primarily sold in commercial markets under their general name, as most varieties have a similar flavor profile, appearance, and texture.

Nutritional Value

Brussels sprouts are a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation. The sprouts also provide calcium to build strong bones and teeth, vitamin K for faster wound healing, and other nutrients, including copper, folate, selenium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. In addition to vitamins and minerals, Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolate, a phytochemical that contains sulfur. When the sprouts are overcooked, they release this organic compound, giving off an unpleasant, sulfur-like odor.

Applications

Brussels sprouts have an earthy, vegetal, nutty, and subtly bitter flavor suited for fresh or cooked preparations. The sprouts should be washed thoroughly before use, and the outer leaves discarded. Once prepped, the sprouts can be sliced in half, chopped into pieces, shaved, or shredded. Brussels sprouts are popularly added to slaws, shredded and tossed into salads, or thinly sliced and incorporated into appetizers as a crisp addition. The sprouts can also be cooked to develop a softer consistency and are commonly braised, lightly steamed, or sauteed in oils, butter, and sauces. Halved Brussels sprouts are tossed into stir-fries, or the sprouts can be roasted or grilled as an accompaniment to meats. Dry heat cooking methods are recommended to prevent the sprouts from becoming overcooked and mushy. Try roasting Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze and tossing them with freshly shaved parmesan or pan-frying in butter for a rich side dish. Brussels sprouts can also be added to soups and stews. Brussels sprouts pair well with mushrooms, bell peppers, spices such as nutmeg, paprika, and caraway, maple, herbs including thyme, mint, rosemary, and parsley, nuts such as pine, buttered pecans, and walnuts, cheeses such as pecorino, taleggio, and alpine, and meats such as pork, beef, and poultry. Whole, unwashed Brussels sprouts will keep up to one week when stored in a loosely ventilated container in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. The sprouts can also be blanched, shocked in cold water, dried, and frozen in a sealed container for extended use.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In Medieval Europe, especially in Great Britain, Brussels sprouts were once believed to cause possession. Legend has it that Medieval Europeans thought that demons lurked in the fields of Brussels sprouts, hiding inside of the sprouts and within their leaves. Europeans also thought that flatulence was often a sign of a demon living inside of a body, thus leading them to believe that the gassiness that Brussels sprouts caused stemmed from demonic possession. Many Europeans refused to consume Brussels sprouts for fear of consuming a demon, and it was thought that eating a demon would cause sickness within the body, sometimes leading to illnesses or death. Despite their demonic reputation, Brussels sprouts were still consumed, and it was customary to carve a cross on the base of the stem before cooking the sprouts. Carving a cross was said to expel the demon from the sprout, making them safe to eat. There are several other theories as to why some cooks used to carve crosses into the base of Brussels sprouts. In Norse mythology, Brussels sprouts were carved with an ancient symbol known as a Gebo rune or Gyfu, a shape similar to an x. This shape symbolized Odin's sacrifice on the World Tree when he hung himself for nine days and nine nights to gain knowledge of other worlds. The stalk with the sprouts still attached was also later used as a representation of the World Tree, with each sprout representing a different world. The final theory points to the Celticists, who carved a Celtic cross into the sprout. It was believed that Sant Patrick was commonly depicted holding Brussels sprouts in portraits, and the sprouts were at one time mistaken for a shamrock.

Geography/History

Brussels sprouts are descendants of a wild cabbage-like species native to the Mediterranean. The cabbages grew wild for several years, and, over time, civilizations throughout the Mediterranean selected the cabbages for domestication and cultivation. Several improved selections of the wild plant were introduced to northern Europe sometime during the 5th century, and the selections eventually reached growers in Belgium, where the species was refined. Brussels sprouts were commercially cultivated in Belgium in the 13th century, where the plant took on its characteristic form that is similar to what is sold in markets in the modern day. By the 16th century, Brussels sprouts had expanded in popularity, increasing production, and had become a culinary staple throughout Europe. Brussels sprouts arrived in Great Britain by the end of the 19th century, and the sprouts were carried to the New World and were planted in Louisiana by French settlers, later offered to Americans through home seed catalogs. At the time, the Brassica was favored for its nutritional properties, and since its acceptance in the New World, Brussels sprouts have expanded in cultivation to be mainly grown in coastal California and New York within the United States. Today Brussels sprouts are grown in home gardens worldwide and are commercially produced in the United States, Mexico, and the Netherlands. The Netherlands is the largest commercial producer in Europe, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. Mexico also grows and exports significant volumes of Brussels sprouts, allowing markets worldwide to have a year-round supply.

Featured Restaurants

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

Local Greens	Solana Beach CA	858-504-0332
Nate's Garden Grill	San Diego CA	619-607-0117
Piatti	San Diego CA	858-454-1589
Chateau La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-459-4451
The Barista Botanist	San Diego CA	808-868-8639
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-1582
The Promiscuous Fork-La Jolla Blvd	La Jolla CA	858-776-3246
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
Estancia Adobe	San Diego CA	858-550-1000
Brandon Matzek- Blogger	San Diego CA	800-221-9730
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Olive Tree Marketplace	San Diego CA	619-224-0443
Grass Skirt	San Diego CA	858-412-5237
Half Door Brewing	San Diego CA	619-655-7459
Belmont Park Cannonball	San Diego CA	858-228-9283
The Crack Shack Costa Mesa	Costa Mesa CA	951-808-7790
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
The Wild Thyme Company	San Diego CA	858-527-0226
Aztec Shop Catering	San Diego CA	619 594-3576
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC	San Marcos CA	508-320-6644

the other 127...

Green Dragon Tavern & Museum	Carlsbad CA	760-797-5579
Park 101	Carlsbad CA	760-434-2217
insideOUT	San Diego CA	619-888-8623
Webbcreationfood LLC	San Diego CA	619-829-9194
Shorehouse Kitchen	La Jolla CA	858-459-3300
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Del Mar Country Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5995
Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina	San Diego CA	619-921-4206
Crust Pizzeria-Carmel	San Diego CA	858-212-8751
The Farm Golf Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-5585
Bernini's Bistro	La Jolla CA	858-454-5013
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club	San Diego CA	619-816-8319
The Besta-Wan Pizza House	Cardiff CA	805-231-2515
Bernardo Heights Country Club	San Diego CA	858-487-4022
Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse	Alpine CA	800-295-3172
PFC Fitness Camp	Carlsbad CA	888-488-8936
Cody's La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0040
Le Coq	La Jolla CA	858-427-1500
Sbicca Del Mar	Del Mar CA	619-417-2587
The Harvest Honey	San Marcos CA	616-914-0124
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Casa	San Diego CA	619-581-3003
Juniper & Ivy	San Diego CA	858-481-3666
The Joint	San Diego CA	619-222-8272
College Cuisine - Gamma Phi Beta	San Diego CA	310-634-2371
Vista Valley	Vista CA	760-758-2800
Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill	Vista CA	760-509-4424
Shore Rider	La Jolla CA	858-412-5308
Carte Hotel	San Diego CA	619-365-1858
Tahona (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-380-9840
UCSD Health East campus	San Diego CA	619-578-3373
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
Sheraton La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-453-5500
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
The Lion Share	San Diego CA	619-564-6924
Culinary Kitchen Catering and Events	Coronado CA	619-798-8477
Kinme Omakase	San Diego CA	619-231-0700
Rancho Valencia	Del Mar CA	858-756-1123
The Tavern	Coronado CA	602-628-5890
Craft House Sky Deck	San Diego CA	619-948-4458
The Crack Shack-Encinitas	Encinitas CA	877-230-1871
Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen	Oceanside CA	619-990-0158
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
Pretty Pickled, Pretty Sauced	National City CA	619-869-9921
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines	La Jolla CA	858-450-4581
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery	Del Mar CA	858-792-2225
The Guild Hotel	San Diego CA	619-764-5108
The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-232-9840
Beaumont's	San Diego CA	858-459-0474
The Crack Shack-San Diego	San Diego CA	619-795-3299
Dolce Pane & Vino	Del Mar CA	858-832-1518
Bar Ella	San Diego CA	858-808-2286
Mesa College	San Diego CA	619-388-2240
Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering	San Diego CA	619-436-7006
Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside	Oceanside CA	760-721-3737
Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Cal A Vie	Vista CA	760-945-2055
Encontro North Park	San Diego CA	310-955-6333
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
Mission Bay Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-201-7551
Coral Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-449-6679
La Dona	San Diego CA	858-352-8134
Blue Ocean La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-999-0323
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Seasoned Catering and Events	San Diego CA	619-246-4909
Harumama Sushi & Ramen (Ocean Beach)	San Diego CA	858-886-9909
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619 295 7275
Cucina Enoteca (Bar)	Del Mar CA	619-239-2222
Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar	San Diego CA	619-840-7000
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
US Grant Hotel Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Mister A's	San Diego CA	619-239-1377
Blue Ocean	Carlsbad CA	760-434-4959
Trust Restaurant	San Diego CA	609-780-7572
Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-269-4626
Cove House	La Jolla CA	858-999-0034
Toast Cafe	San Diego CA	858-208-9422
Kinme (Deliver to Azuki)	San Diego CA	619-238-4760
BFD-Big Front Door	San Diego CA	619-723-8183
The Switchboard Restaurant 2024	Oceanside CA	760-279-6300
Continental Catering Inc	La Mesa CA	907-738-9264
Maderas Golf Club	Poway CA	858-451-8100
Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980	Vista CA	760-420-7764
The Pearl Hotel	San Diego CA	877-732-7573
Village Vino	San Diego CA	619-546-8466
Public House 131	San Diego CA	858-537-0890
Craft House Fashion Valley	San Diego CA	619-948-4458
Marriott Gaslamp	San Diego CA	619-696-0234 x6051
Burning Beard	El Cajon CA	619-884-4716
Isola Pizza Bar	San Diego CA	619-564-2938
Brigantine Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-481-1166
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
The Market by Buon Appetito	San Diego CA	619-237-1335
Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky	La Jolla CA	858-459-0261
Wildflour	San Diego CA	619-289-9240
Seneca	San Diego CA	619-588-2411
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	619-795-9135
Crust Pizzeria Carlsbad 2019	Carlsbad CA	760-944-1111
The Lab Restaurant	Oceanside CA	619-861-8299
Shorehouse Kitchen Carlsbad	Carlsbad CA	858-663-9916
The Beau Hotel	San Diego CA	619-310-5160
The Go Go Truck	San Diego CA	401-837-1740
Counterpoint	San Diego CA	619-564-6722
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District	El Cajon CA	619-644-7585
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Tribute Pizza	San Diego CA	858-220-0030
Firefly Beach	San Diego CA	619-222-6440
Vinya: Vino & Vinyasa	San Diego CA	858-703-8101
Third Corner Encinitas	Encinitas CA	760-942-2104
Garbatella Osteria Bar	Chula Vista CA	619-651-1185
Kairoa Brewing Company	San Diego CA	858-735-0051
Ridgeview Health Center	San Diego CA	858-293-3950
Dot Cafe	San Diego CA	914-263-1424
Nobu	San Diego CA	619-814-4124
Barbarella La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-7373
Pacifica Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-792-0505
JRDN Restaurant	San Diego CA	858-270-5736
Mavericks Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-999-0348
Regents Pizzeria	La Jolla CA	858-550-0406
Barleymash	San Diego CA	619-255-7373
Regency Twin Oaks	San Marcos CA	909-325-6941
Claire's on Cedros - SKSB	Solana Beach CA	858-259-8597
The Haven (Pizzeria)	San Diego CA	619-964-3778
Wolf In the Woods	San Diego CA	619-851-7275

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Brussels Sprouts. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Snappy Gourmet		Cream of Brussels Sprout Soup
The Busy Baker		Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions, Cranberries and Pistachios
Eat The Gains		Brussels Sprouts, Bacon & Blue Cheese Bites
Little Bits Of		Lemon & Sun-Dried Tomato Brussels Sprouts
Play. Party. Plan.		Brussels Sprouts with Sausage, Apple, and Pear
The Baker Mama		Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts
The Cake Crusader		Brussel Sprout Cake
Putting Up With Erin		Spicy Pickled Brussels Sprouts
Perry's Plates		Roasted Shredded Brussels Sprouts
Heather Christo		Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Fried Goat Cheese

the other 81...

RandyClemens.com		Raw Brussels Sprout Salad with Sriracha Maple Vinaigrette
The Vintage Mixer		Brussels Sprouts with Walnut Vinaigrette
Gimme Delicious Food		Crispy Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
We are not Martha		Beer Batter Fried Brussels Sprouts
Food For My Family		Sautéed Bacon and Blue Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate
Ana		Steamed Brussels Sprouts with Tangerine Dressing
Bowl of Delicious		Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Pickled Red Onions
Two Purple Figs		Lentil Fall Harvest Buddha Bowl
Ahead of Thyme		Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Closet Cooking		Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon in a Mustard Cream Sauce
The Cookie Rookie		Brussels Sprout Gratin with Bacon
Yay For Food		Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
Minimalist Baker		Garlic & White Wine Pasta with Brussels Sprouts
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Easy Brussels Sprout And Shallot Gratin
Trial & Eater		Bang Bang Brussels Sprouts
Horse and Heels		The Best Brussels Sprouts
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts
An Edible Mosaic		Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Dark Cherry Sauce and Hazelnut
Feel Good Foodie		Brussel Sprout Salad
Eat Good 4 LIfe		Thai Brussels Sprouts Salad
Proud Italian Cook		Shaved Brussels Sprouts Tart
Rooting the Sun		Curry Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Black Grapes
Gimme Some Oven		Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts
PaleOMG		Crispy Sesame Brussels Sprouts with Creamy Curry Dipping Sauce
Rabbit and Wolves		Vegan Chili Lime Fried Brussels Sprouts
Self Proclaimed Foodie		Chicken and Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce
White on Rice Couple		Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratin
PaleOMG		Roasted Rosemary Brussels and Rutabaga
Jerry James Stone		Cheesy Brussels Sprouts & Potato Chowder
Julia's Album		Asiago Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Dolly and Oatmeal		Winter Buckwheat & Shaved Brussels Sprout Bowl
Foodie With Family		Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grapes and Walnuts
The Real Food Dietitians		Roasted Brussels Sprouts Quinoa Salad
The Food Charlatan		Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
Salt and Lavender		Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad
Chocolate and Zucchini		Brussels Sprouts with Onions and Squash Seeds
Cotter Crunch		Creamy Mustard Brussels Sprouts Superfood Salad
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Brussels Sprouts And Pancetta Over Polenta
Kitchen Konfidence		Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad
House of Nash Eats		Fall Panzanella Salad
Skinny Fitalicious		Brussels Sprouts with Cashew Cream Sauce
Shared Appetite		Honey Sriracha Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Eat The Gains		Miso Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Pinch of Yum		Brussels Sprouts Tacos
Evolving Table		Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Paleo Running Mama		Breakfast Casserole
Emily Kyle Nutrition		Sheet Pan Garlic Tofu & Brussels Sprouts
Happy Healthy Mama		Crispy Brussels Sprouts Chips
From A Chef's Kitchen		Cream of Brussels Sprout Soup with Butter and Turbinado Toasted Almonds
Gimme Some Oven		Honey Sesame Shrimp & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry
Foodie With Family		Roasted Fall Vegetable & Italian Sausage Sheet Pan Meal
Damn Delicious		Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Delish Knowledge		Brussels Sprout Crostini
Horse and Heels		Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup & Walnuts
Closet Cooking		Brussels Sprout and Mushroom Hash
From A Chef's Kitchen		Sriracha Sweet Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Feasting at Home		Brussels Sprout Slaw with Hazelnuts and Dates
Gonna Want Seconds		Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Sage
Fuss Free Cooking		Indian Spiced Brussels Sprouts
Oh My Veggies		Lemony Wheat Berries with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Platings and Pairings		Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Balsamic Reduction
Rawmazing		Brussels Sprouts Chips
Running In A Skirt		Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic
Bravo for Paleo		Lettuce Wraps with Sausage and Brussel Sprouts
Rachael Ray Every Day		Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese with Baby Kale Salad
Cooking Classy		One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner
Gimme Some Oven		Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Quinoa Salad
Fat Free Vegan Kitchen		Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Chickpeas
Delish Knowledge		Brussels Sprouts & Brown Butter Pasta
Everyday Made Fresh		Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Bacon & Apple
Sweet Phi		Roasted Winter Vegetable Rainbow Salad
The Chic Life		Brussels Sprouts and Cheddar Cheese Quiche
Dolly and Oatmeal		Brussels Sprouts, Honeycrisp & Cabbage Slaw with Spicy Almond Butter Sauce
I Am A Food Blog		Lemon & Dill Pan Roasted Brussel
Spinach for Breakfast		Green Goddess Bowl
Sprinkles and Sprouts		Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fish Sauce Vinaigrette
Simply Quinoa		Brussels Sprout & Hummus Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Feasting at Home		GARLICKY CRUCIFEROUS PASTA
Everyday Made Fresh		Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Horse and Heels		White Mac & Cheese with Brussels Sprouts
From A Chef's Kitchen		Quick Pickled Brussels Sprouts with Jalapeño