Brussels Sprouts

Estimated Inventory, 20 lbs : 19.16
This item was last sold on : 07/09/25

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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.

Barbarella La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-454-7373
The Guild Hotel	San Diego CA	619-764-5108
Wolf In the Woods	San Diego CA	619-851-7275
Institutes of Health LLC	San Diego CA	800-270-5016
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine	San Diego CA	619-972-6286
Burgo Direct	Chula Vista CA	619-793-2325
Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-269-4626
Coral Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-449-6679
Olive Tree Marketplace	San Diego CA	619-224-0443
Neighborhood Burger	San Diego CA	619-446-0002
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Ciccia Osteria	San Diego CA	619-674-4069
Kairoa Brewing Company	San Diego CA	858-735-0051
Solare Ristorante Lounge	San Diego CA	619-270-9670
PFC Fitness Camp	Carlsbad CA	888-488-8936
Dolce Pane & Vino	Del Mar CA	858-832-1518
Harumama Sushi & Ramen (Ocean Beach)	San Diego CA	858-886-9909
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	619-795-9135
Toast Cafe	San Diego CA	858-208-9422
Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill	Vista CA	760-509-4424

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Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Del Mar Country Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5995
Urbn Pizza Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-255-7300
Searcher Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-861-4640
Green Dragon Tavern & Museum	Carlsbad CA	760-797-5579
US Grant Hotel Grill	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
UCSD Health East campus	San Diego CA	619-578-3373
BFD-Big Front Door	San Diego CA	619-723-8183
The Switchboard Restaurant 2024	Oceanside CA	760-279-6300
The Tavern	Coronado CA	602-628-5890
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside	Oceanside CA	760-721-3737
Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky	La Jolla CA	858-459-0261
La Bonne Table	San Diego CA	619-887-7706
The Joint	San Diego CA	619-222-8272
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
Seneca	San Diego CA	619-588-2411
Marriott Gaslamp	San Diego CA	619-696-0234 x6051
The Harvest Honey	San Marcos CA	616-914-0124
Firefly Beach	San Diego CA	619-222-6440
Rustic Root Solana	Solana Beach CA	619-955-5750
Piatti	San Diego CA	858-454-1589
Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters	La Jolla CA	858-228-5655
Mavericks Beach Club	San Diego CA	858-999-0348
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
The Besta-Wan Pizza House	Cardiff CA	805-231-2515
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
Deeply Nourished	La Jolla CA	808-489-7366
Craft House Sky Deck	San Diego CA	619-948-4458
Nate's Garden Grill	San Diego CA	619-607-0117
Waverly	Cardiff CA	619-244-0416
Craft House Fashion Valley	San Diego CA	619-948-4458
The Plot Restaurant (Costa Mesa)	Costa Mesa CA	714-852-3181
Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar	San Diego CA	619-840-7000
Carte Hotel	San Diego CA	619-365-1858
Vinya: Vino & Vinyasa	San Diego CA	858-703-8101
Bar Ella	San Diego CA	858-808-2286
Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse	Alpine CA	800-295-3172
The Promiscuous Fork-La Jolla Blvd	La Jolla CA	858-776-3246
Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980	Vista CA	760-420-7764
Shoreside Support Boat	San Diego CA	704-277-7929
Bayside Landing	San Diego CA	858-270-9200
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
Counterpoint	San Diego CA	619-564-6722
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Cal A Vie	Vista CA	760-945-2055
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club	San Diego CA	619-816-8319
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The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
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Claire's on Cedros - SKSB	Solana Beach CA	858-259-8597
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One Door North	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
Jo's Mission Hills Diner	San Diego CA	619-417-3801
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Pacifica Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-792-0505
Cove House	La Jolla CA	858-999-0034
Continental Catering Inc	La Mesa CA	907-738-9264
Harvest Kitchen	Vista CA	619-709-0938
Ranch Catering	San Diego CA	858-491-9100
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Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Brussels Sprouts. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Platings and Pairings		Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Balsamic Reduction
Chocolate and Zucchini		Brussels Sprouts with Onions and Squash Seeds
Julia's Album		Asiago Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Gimme Some Oven		Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Two Purple Figs		Lentil Fall Harvest Buddha Bowl
RandyClemens.com		Raw Brussels Sprout Salad with Sriracha Maple Vinaigrette
Cotter Crunch		Creamy Mustard Brussels Sprouts Superfood Salad
PaleOMG		Roasted Rosemary Brussels and Rutabaga
Shared Appetite		Honey Sriracha Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The Food Charlatan		Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

the other 81...

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