The Brussels sprout (Brassica oleracea Gemmifera Group) is a cultivar group of cabbage cultivated for its small (typically 2.5-4 cm diameter) leafy heads, which resemble miniature cabbages.
Brussels sprouts were first cultivated in Belgium, and are therefore named after its capital, Brussels.
Brussels sprouts grow on long thick stalks, from which they must be picked off, usually by hand. In the UK, they are a traditional winter vegetable, and are often eaten boiled with a roast dinner. They can also be stir-fried or made into soup.
According to a survey in 2002, Brussels sprouts are Britain's most hated vegetable. Brussels sprout aficionados attribute the hatred of the sprouts to overcooking, pointing out that if this is avoided, the vegetable possesses a delicious, delicate nutty flavour. Many consider that the best flavour is only developed in mid to late winter, after the plants have been exposed to some frost.
The cooking of the Brussels sprout is also the subject of much debate. Commonly the base is 'crossed' with a knife under the belief that this will lead to more even cooking. Others believe that this procedure leads to a leeching of flavours and that it should be avoided.
Brussels sprouts are commonly misspelled and mispronounced as "Brussel sprouts".
Brusselssprouts are available year round; however, they are at their best from autumn through early spring when they are at the peak of their growing season.
Brusselssprouts' glucosinolates have been shown to help prevent the development of colon cancer in response to exposure to heterocyclic amines, the carcinogenic compounds produced when meat is grilled or otherwise charbroiled.
Brusselssprouts reduced the development of pre-cancerous cells 41-52% in the colon and 27-67% in the liver, and drastically diminished the size (85-91%) of pre-cancerous lesions in the liver.
According to a survey in 2002, Brusselssprouts are Britain's most hated vegetable; however, in 2005, a poll of 2,000 people named it as Britain's 5th favourite vegetable.
Brusselssprout aficionados attribute the hatred of the sprouts to overcooking, which releases sulphur compounds in the vegetables that give it an unpleasant smell.
Brusselssprouts are commonly misspelled as "Brusselsprouts".
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